Delivering During A Pandemic: GE Installs Upgrade To Enhance The Performance Of ADNOC Refining's General Utilities Plant In Ruwais, UAE

• GE Gas Power installed its MXL2 upgrade on a gas turbine, despite various challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The upgrade has improved output by 10.7 MW.

GE Gas Power has enhanced the efficiency and performance of ADNOC Refining’s General Utilities Plant in Ruwais, United Arab Emirates (UAE) by installing the MXL2 upgrade on a GT13E2 gas turbine. Planning and executing such an upgrade typically takes up to 18 months, but the project was completed within six months, despite significant challenges posed by the outbreak of coronavirus. The technology upgrade has increased the total output of the turbine by 10.7 megawatts (MW), using the same amount of fuel.

“At GE, we are committed to supporting our customers power through every challenge and were honored to collaborate with ADNOC Refining on this project,” said Joseph Anis, President & CEO of GE Gas Power in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia. “As organizations around the world explore options to balance the growing need for electricity against climate change concerns, upgrade solutions offer an effective and affordable means to increase power output and lower emissions per megawatt generated. GE is committed to continue investing in solutions that can enhance the performance of our existing installed base of more than 7,500 gas turbines globally as part of a comprehensive, economically-feasible decarbonization strategy.”

GE’s upgrade solutions can significantly enhance the performance and lower the operating costs of gas turbines. The MXL2 upgrade allows operators of GT13E2 gas turbines to achieve up to a 1.5 percent increase in combined cycle efficiency and extend inspection intervals up to 48,000 equivalent operating hours (EOH). The upgrade combines GE’s latest technology developments, and over 10 million operating hours of GT13E2 fleet experience.

The latest upgrade at the General Utilities Plant follows the successful completion of similar upgrades on two other gas turbines at ADNOC Refining’s General Utilities Plant in Ruwais over recent years.

GE has contributed to the development of the energy sector in the Middle East and North Africa for over 80 years. Today, GE-built technologies generate up to 40 percent of the region’s power. The company’s investments in the region include a service center in the UAE that provides advanced maintenance, testing and repairs for generators and gas turbines. The center has served more than 50 customers from over 25 countries.