Mobile Gas Turbine To Afghanistan

Siemens has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bayat Power and the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide its SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine for a three-phase energy project in Afghanistan.

Upon completion, it will provide more than 200 MW within the country, enough electricity to meet the needs of more than 700 000 Afghan homes and businesses.

The MOU was signed at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SGT-A45 in Houston, where the Hamdullah Mohib, Afghanistan ambassador to the United States, stated: “Here, deep in the heart of Texas is where Afghanistan will begin her challenging, but vital, mission to rebuild our domestic power production industry – and provide all Afghans with reliable and affordable electric power.  Using the powerful,next-generationn SGT-A45 mobile gas turbine, the Bayat Power 1 gas-to-power project will help further the foundation upon which the American people and the Afghan people, working together, can help create thousands of jobs here in Houston – and a future of energy independence for Afghanistan.”

The Bayat Power 1 gas-to-power program was announced last year, with an MOU between Bayat Power and the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, calling for a three phase, US$250 million Independent Power Producer (IPP) investment program.

“This first phase will help kick-start Afghanistan’s journey towards energy independence, help restore our domestic gas-to-power industry and develop our nation’s economy,” said Dr. Ehsanollah Bayat, Chairman of Bayat Power.  “We look forward to working with the Afghan government, our technical partners like Siemens and most importantly, our fellow citizens, in our mission to create jobs and opportunities which benefit the entire nation.”

Siemens SGT-A45 aeroderivative gas turbine generates up to 44 MW and is designed to provide immediate power to the grid, fulfilling a growing demand for fast power, particularly in remote or developing regions with infrastructure limitations, or, for example, where urgent power is needed following a natural disaster.  The SGT-A45 is packaged for rapid deployment and can be installed in less than two weeks.  Its design features outstanding power density, high fuel efficiency and excellent operational flexibility.