GE Vernova announced plans to expand its GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam to locally manufacture high-voltage gas-insulated switch gears

GE Vernova, under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Energy, hosted the ‘New Era of Energy’ forum at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, bringing together over 200 senior leaders across the energy sector to discuss solutions aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, emphasised the company’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s energy transition. “With a clear roadmap for Vision 2030 and beyond, Saudi Arabia is well placed to lead a new era of energy, and GE Vernova is honoured to play a significant role in these efforts,” the CEO said.

The event coincided with GE Vernova’s Global Supplier Partnership Summit, which convened more than 300 supplier organisations to strengthen supply chain resilience, support national industrialisation, and foster foreign investment.

GE Vernova’s key initiatives and investments

GE Vernova announced plans to expand its GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam to locally manufacture high-voltage gas-insulated switch gears.

This move aligns with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2024 with National Grid and marks the first facility of its kind in the Middle East.

The investment supports Saudi Vision 2030 and aims to modernise the country’s electrical infrastructure while generating local employment.

GE Vernova will also scale up production at its GE Manufacturing Technology Center (GEMTEC) in Dammam to advance grid automation solutions, further accelerating Saudi Arabia’s energy digitalisation and modernisation efforts.

In collaboration with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), GE Vernova marked a milestone with the first-ever heavy-duty gas turbine outage planned and executed entirely by Saudi engineers at the 8th Power Plant in Riyadh. The successful completion underscores efforts to develop local talent in the kingdom’s energy sector.

GE Vernova’s Electrification Software business signed an MOU with SEC to support the kingdom’s energy transition by deploying its GridOS software.

The partnership aims to digitize and modernise the power grid while establishing a Regional Center of Competency & Excellence in Riyadh.

Building on an earlier MOU, GE Vernova and Saudi EXIM Bank announced detailed ‘Protocols of Cooperation’ to facilitate the export of locally produced energy solutions. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s push to diversify its economy through non-oil exports.

GE Vernova executives reaffirmed their commitment to Saudi Arabia by convening in Riyadh within the company’s first year as an independent entity trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

The company’s nearly century-long presence in the kingdom continues to be defined by deep collaboration and investment in energy innovation.

https://gulfbusiness.com/ge-vernova-boosts-saudi-energy-initiatives/