Saudi Aramco has announced that it has signed three energy conversion agreements (ECAs) to build and operate cogeneration plants at three major oil and gas complexes in Saudi Arabia
Cogeneration technology, relative to conventional steam and power generation, is more energy-efficient for producing power and steam because it uses less fuel, and it lowers emissions for better environmental performance. It has a thermal efficiency of more than 80 per cent compared to conventional generation thermal efficiency of 40-50 per cent, said Saudi Aramco.
According to company sources, the agreements with Marubeni Corporation, Japan’s JGC Corporation and Aljomaih Energy and Water Company demonstrate Saudi Aramco’s commitment to pursue energy efficiency throughout its operations. Upon completion, the new cogeneration power plants will efficiently provide electricity and steam needs at the company’s Abqaiq, Hawiya and Ras Tanura facilities.
The cogeneration plants are expected to generate a total of approximately 900MW of power and 1,500 tonnes of steam per hour when they come onstream in 2016.
Ahmad Al-Khowaiter, executive director - new business development at Saudi Aramco said, “This is one of the most important types of projects aimed at improving energy efficiency in the kingdom.
“Not only will we meet our own power needs, but will deliver efficient power with excellent technology and high efficiency in energy consumption and environmental performance.”
The project’s partners will build and operate the cogeneration plants for 20 years, providing electric power and steam to all three Saudi Aramco facilities. Saudi Aramco will hold a 50 per cent stake in the new cogeneration plants, the company said.
Yoshiaki Yokota, general manager - overseas power project department of Marubeni Corporation said that he hoped the signing of the contracts would mark the beginning of a long-term relationship.
