PetroMasila, a Yemeni state-owned company, has partnered with GE to provide reliable power to Yemen while reducing carbon emissions. The TM2500, a mobile and flexible gas turbine, will be installed at Block 14 in the Hadramout region, powered by previously flared associated gas to generate up to 34 megawatts of power. Once connected to the local grid, over 50% of the electricity produced will provide much-needed power to homes in Yemen that currently suffer blackouts. GE’s TM2500 offers greater fuel flexibility, lower emissions, and up to 98% reliability. This is particularly useful in Yemen, where there is a damaged distribution and transmission system caused by civil unrest in the country. By utilizing gas that is currently being flared, PetroMasila is taking steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving gas for the generation of electricity, and contributing to a more sustainable future.
GE Wins New Order for TM2500 Technology from Yemen
GE has secured an order for fast, flexible power from Yemen’s Masila Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (PetroMasila), which is responsible for the exploration and production of oil in Yemen. The order includes a trailer-mounted GE TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbine, which will be installed in Block 14 in the Hadramout region. The TM2500 unit, also known as a “power plant on wheels,” will be able to generate up to 34 megawatts (MW) of power at the site’s conditions, powered by previously flared associated gas.
Utilizing Excess Gas to Create Electricity
Oil field operators who flare associated gas are investing in ways to reduce flaring and lower related emissions. The TM2500 unit will use previously flared associated gas to support PetroMasila’s oil exploration and extraction processes, creating electricity from excess gas. Once the unit is connected to the local grid, over 50% of the electricity produced at Block 14 will be delivered to the grid, providing electricity to power homes in Yemen that currently suffer blackouts. The TM2500 unit is expected to begin commercial operation in 2023.
Meeting Power Generation Goals
GE’s highly efficient and flexible TM2500 unit will assist PetroMasila in meeting its power generation plans by utilizing previously flared associated gas, eliminating the use of diesel, which is both a higher emitting and more expensive fuel. Flaring of associated gas not only represents an economic waste but also leads to environmental pollution, as it contains methane and hydrocarbons that contribute to increasing greenhouse gases globally.
According to the World Bank’s 2022 Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, approximately 144 billion cubic meters of gas were burnt in flares at upstream oil and gas facilities worldwide in 2021, leading to around 400 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent emissions. By utilizing the gas currently being flared, the world could make significant progress toward much-needed energy security from a readily available source.
Replacing Diesel Generators
This announcement comes after the installation of three TM2500 units in Block 10 in the East Shabwa region of Yemen in 2022, replacing diesel generators that generated 50% more emissions than the gas turbines and ran on expensive imported diesel fuel. With this latest order, GE is making significant strides towards promoting the use of associated gas as a reliable and cost-effective source of energy while simultaneously reducing harmful emissions.
PetroMasila and GE Partner to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Deliver Power to Yemen
PetroMasila, a Yemeni state-owned company responsible for the exploration and production of oil in the country, has partnered with GE to reduce its carbon footprint while providing reliable power to the people of Yemen. Mohammed Bin Sumait, General Manager of PetroMasila, stated that the company is committed to efficiently developing the country’s hydrocarbon resources and securing reliable power for the regions where they operate.
Quick Power Solution for Yemen
As large-scale power projects take years to develop and build, PetroMasila needed a quicker solution to provide much-needed power to the people of Yemen. The country faces challenges such as an electricity sector impacted by a severely damaged distribution and transmission system due to the eight-year-long civil unrest in the country, which has impaired electricity delivery to a large segment of the population.
GE’s TM2500, a “power plant on wheels,” was a perfect fit for PetroMasila’s needs, providing dependable, quick deployment, and a modular configuration to support the company’s goal of reducing the carbon intensity of its hydrocarbon production facilities. The TM2500, powered by previously flared associated gas, will be installed in Block 14 in the Hadramout region and will be able to generate up to 34 megawatts (MW) of power at the site’s conditions.
Relieving Blackouts and Reducing Emissions
Once the unit is interconnected to the local grid, over 50% of the electricity produced at Block 14 will be delivered to the grid, providing electricity to power homes in Yemen that currently suffer blackouts. GE’s TM2500 will provide PetroMasila with greater fuel flexibility, lower emissions, and up to 98% reliability. GE’s remote monitoring and diagnostic system will further support efficient and reliable operations.
Flaring of associated gas not only represents an economic waste but also leads to environmental pollution. PetroMasila’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and eliminate routine flaring at its oil production site will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve gas for the generation of electricity in communities that rely on less-sustainable fuels, like diesel, for their energy needs.
Jet-Engine Technology for Fast-Track and Mobile Power
GE’s TM2500 is derived from jet-engine technology powering the world’s airlines and was developed to deliver fast-track and mobile power. The TM2500 is a mobile, gas generator packaged on a three-trailer system with a top-mounted air inlet filter and exhaust assemblies. The TM2500 will benefit from pulse filters for robust filtration of sand and dust, as well as air inlet chiller coils to increase power output during peak summer months, given the extreme heat common in the region.
Joseph Anis, President & CEO, Europe, Middle East & Africa, GE Gas Power, said that GE is proud to support PetroMasila’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions of oil and gas production while raising the generation capacity for local communities. GE’s commitment to move the needle on carbon intensity by providing leading, flexible technology that will help PetroMasila reduce its emissions footprint in the future is greatly appreciated.
By partnering with GE, PetroMasila is taking steps towards securing reliable power for the people of Yemen while reducing its carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
GE’s TM2500: Quick and Flexible Power Solution
GE’s TM2500 is a flexible and mobile gas turbine that can be shipped by land, air, or sea for quick installation in nearly any location in the world. With over 300 units installed in about 30 countries worldwide, totaling over 6 million hours of operating experience, the TM2500 provides a reliable and efficient power solution. This is particularly useful in locations such as Yemen, where quick power solutions are needed due to a damaged distribution and transmission system caused by civil unrest in the country.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
