GE Vernova hosted the New Era of Energy forum at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy. The event gathered over 200 leaders from different sectors to discuss energy transition, technology, and Saudi Vision 2030.
Alongside the forum, GE Vernova held its Global Supplier Partnership Summit with over 300 supplier organizations. The summit focused on strengthening the energy sector supply chain, promoting local industrial development, and attracting foreign investment. GE Vernova’s executive leadership team also visited Riyadh, marking their first visit since the company became an independent entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
At the event, GE Vernova announced plans to expand its GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam. The facility will produce high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear, following an MOU signed in November 2024 with National Grid. The company also plans to increase production at its GE Manufacturing Technology Center (GEMTEC) in Dammam to support grid automation and digitalization.
In collaboration with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), GE Vernova completed the first gas turbine outage fully planned and executed by Saudi engineers at the 8th Power Plant in Riyadh. GE Vernova also signed an agreement with SEC to explore the use of its GridOS® software for grid modernization. Additionally, GE Vernova and Saudi EXIM Bank announced cooperation to support the export of Saudi-manufactured energy products through financial and insurance services.
Beyond large-scale projects, Saudi Arabia is developing smaller renewable energy initiatives. The Al-Khafji Solar Desalination Plant operates on solar power to provide fresh water. The Turaif Wind Project is testing wind power generation in northern Saudi Arabia. Solar-powered street lighting has been introduced in Al-Ula to reduce energy use. Hybrid solar-diesel systems are supplying electricity to remote areas. Other projects include off-grid solar farms for rural communities and solar-powered water pumps for agriculture.
