GE: Supply gas turbines to Morocco Kenitra power plant

GE has agreed to supply its fuel-flexible gas turbine technology to the Kenitra Power Plant in Morocco, to aid the Office National de l’Electricité (ONE) meet the country’s increasing demand for electricity. GE, along with its consortium partner, Cegelec SAS of France, was awarded over €200 million for the project. The project will entail three GE Frame 9E gas turbines that will deliver flexibility in burning heavy fuel oil, with a backup of distillate.

The new power plant, with 300 megawatts, will be situated in the harbor of Kenitra, which is 40 kilometers north of Morocco’s capital city, Rabat. The project is an initiative of the Moroccan government, in its plan for developing and modernizing the harbors of the nation as well as support economic growth. The goal is for commercial traffic through the harbors of Morocco to increase over threefold between 2010 and 2030.

“Morocco’s electricity consumption is increasing by 6-8 percent a year,” said Fouad El Kaouri, director for realization of engineering and production projects of ONE. “In addition to helping to meet this demand, the new power plant is a key to the expansion and modernization of the port of Kenitra, part of the overall plan to upgrade six strategic harbors throughout the country. The expansion of the Kenitra harbor will support the exportation of products from Gharb, a key agricultural region of Morocco.”
The Kenitra project will be the second time ONE has chosen GE to supply its Frame 9E gas turbines—three similar machines were delivered to the Mohammedia project three years ago, which also utilizes heavy fuel oil.

“We are very pleased to again have the opportunity to provide technology that will help meet Morocco’s need for reliable power to support its strong economic growth,” stated Ricardo Cordoba, GE Energy president—Western Europe & North Africa. “With their quick installation times and their capability to burn a variety of fuels including heavy fuel oil, our 9E gas turbines are an excellent fit for ONE’s projects.”