Taqa, JERA announce financial closing of SATORP plant expansion

Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) and JERA, Japan’s largest power generation company, announced the financial closing of Najim Cogeneration Company Limited, a new industrial steam and electricity cogeneration plant that will produce electricity and steam for a petrochemical complex located in Jubail in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The new cogeneration plant will supply up to 475 megawatts (MW) of power and approximately 452 tonnes per hour (TPH) of steam from advanced combined cycle gas fired technology.

It will be developed by a special purpose entity owned by Taqa (51%) and JERA (49%) on a 25-year build, own, and operate basis extendable by five years on mutual agreement.

Taqa and JERA will also undertake the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the plant through an O&M special purpose entity.

The plant’s financial closing comes after Taqa and JERA entered into a Power and Steam Purchase Agreement with Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP), a joint venture company owned by Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) and TotalEnergies in March 2024.

Farid Al Awlaqi, CEO of Taqa’s Generation business, said, “Representing a cornerstone of our commitment to growth and efficiency, Taqa is proud to take on a developer role as well as the operations and maintenance at the plant, two focus areas for capability expansion for Taqa, as well as adding 475 MW of power generation and 452 TPH of steam generation to our overall capacity.

“This is our third generation project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we will be developing an advanced cogeneration steam and power plant using the latest highly efficient J-Class gas turbine technology in partnership with JERA. We are building our track record of excellence as a responsible and reliable operator and lead developer of generation projects.”

Steven Winn, Chief Global Strategist of JERA, stated, “This key milestone was successfully achieved due to the excellent teamwork of all stakeholders. This project aligns perfectly with our strategy to provide efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced energy systems, contributing to the Kingdom’s and to our customer’s vision for a sustainable and optimised energy supply.

“This new cogeneration plant, based on advanced J-class gas turbine technology, is designed to optimise energy efficiency, and reduce environmental impact, and it will play a crucial role in supporting SATORP’s Strategic Expansion operations. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the plant will ensure reliable and efficient power and steam generation, setting new standards in operational performance and sustainability.” Featuring state-of-the-art power and steam generation systems, gas and water receiving systems, and gas-insulated switchgear interconnections, the plant is designed to meet the stringent efficiency standards imposed by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre.

Moreover, the project has provision for the future installation of a carbon capture plant that is capable of hydrogen cofiring.

The SATORP Strategic Expansion petrochemical complex is expected to house one of the largest mixed-load steam crackers in the GCC region.

In March this year, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), together with JERA Co., Inc, Japan’s largest power generation company, announced that they have entered into a Power and Steam Purchase Agreement with Saudi Aramco Total Refining and Petrochemical Company (SATORP), a joint venture company owned by Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) and TotalEnergies. They will develop a greenfield industrial steam and electricity cogeneration plant that will produce electricity and steam for the Amiral petrochemical complex to be developed in Jubail in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

The Amiral petrochemical complex is expected to house one of the largest mixed-load steam crackers in the Arab Gulf region.

The Amiral cogeneration plant will include state-of-the-art power and steam generation systems, gas and water receiving systems, and gas-insulated switchgear interconnections while meeting stringent efficiency standards imposed by the Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre. The project also provides for the future installation of a carbon dioxide capture plant and is capable of hydrogen cofiring.

In May, Taqa reported its earnings for the period ending 31st March 2024. Taqa delivered a robust financial performance, bolstered by the recognition of contributions from Sustainable Water Solutions Holding Company (SWS Holding).

 Taqa’s revenues reached Dhs13.7 billion, 5.3% higher than the prior-year period, due to the contribution from SWS Holding, which also increased adjusted EBITDA and net income. Adjusted EBITDA was Dhs5.5 billion, 4.9% higher than the prior-year period.

WAM