Siemens to build $1.5bn power plants

RIYADH: Siemens Energy has been awarded a 25-year contract by Saudi Arabia for two power plants, Taiba 2 and Qassim 2, worth $1.5 billion.

The plants, two of the world's largest, modern, and efficient combined-cycle power designs, will be connected to the grid in simple cycle mode in 2026 and permanently operated as a combined cycle power plant a year later.

Taiba 2 and Qassim 2 will be built in the western and central regions of Saudi Arabia, using Siemens Energy's HL-class gas turbines, in combination with steam turbines and generators, and each generate 2,000 MW. The EPC and contracting partner for Siemens Energy is China Energy International Group. The new power plants will provide additional energy for the country's growing population and booming economy and replace parts of Saudi Arabia's existing aging power plant fleet, some of which rely on oil as an energy source. The new plants will save up to 60 per cent of CO2 compared with oil-fueled power plants. They will also be compatible with the Kingdom's energy strategy which calls for the construction of CO2 capture and storage facilities in the medium term, to enable a carbon-neutral energy supply.

Bapco Energies appoints 1st woman CE

MANAMA: Bapco Supply company, a subsidiary of Bapco Energies, has appointed Bassima Al Mahroos as its chief executive.

Al Mahroos has become the first woman to lead the executive management of a national energy company. She brings a wealth of experience spanning over years in the investment service field, project development, operations engineering, and business and trade planning.

She has also participated in many high administrations in the private sector in mapping out general policies to increase the companies’ financial benefits.

Mark Thomas, Bapco Energies Chief Executive, called the appointment a step forward in boosting equal opportunities and empowering women in the energy sector.