Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Under the patronage of the Ministry of Energy, GE Vernova hosted the exclusive ‘New Era of Energy’ forum at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh. The event brought together more than 200 senior leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors across the energy ecosystem to discuss Saudi Arabia’s ongoing energy transformation. The discussions focused on advancing the country’s energy landscape in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s ambitious economic and development framework.
With Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a global leader in energy innovation, the forum underscored the importance of collaboration in building a sustainable and diversified energy sector. Industry leaders explored how emerging technologies, policy advancements, and strategic investments can accelerate the Kingdom’s transition toward a cleaner, more efficient, and reliable energy infrastructure.
Forum Highlights
Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Saudi Arabia’s energy goals. He stated, “With a clear roadmap for Vision 2030 and beyond, Saudi Arabia is well placed to lead a new era of energy, and GE Vernova is honored to play a significant role in these efforts. Our investment and collaboration with key stakeholders reflect our confidence in the Kingdom’s potential to drive meaningful change in the energy sector.”
The forum also hosted GE Vernova’s annual Global Supplier Partnership Summit, which brought together over 300 supplier organizations. The summit served as a platform to deepen the energy sector’s supply chain, enhance local manufacturing capabilities, and attract foreign investments. The discussions aimed to foster economic diversification and job creation while increasing the Kingdom’s energy self-sufficiency.
Strategic Initiatives Announced
Several major initiatives and agreements were unveiled during the forum, reflecting GE Vernova’s commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening local industries, and supporting Saudi Arabia’s energy transition.
Investment in Manufacturing Grid Solutions
GE Vernova announced its plans to expand the GE Saudi Advanced Turbines (GESAT) facility in Dammam. This expansion will enable the local production of high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), marking the establishment of the first GE Vernova facility of its kind in the Middle East. This initiative is aligned with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2024 between GE Vernova and National Grid, supporting the modernization of Saudi Arabia’s electrical infrastructure and creating employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
Expansion of Production Capacity
In a bid to accelerate grid modernization, GE Vernova plans to increase production capacity at its GE Manufacturing Technology Center (GEMTEC) in Dammam. The enhanced facility will focus on advancing grid automation products, services, and solutions in Saudi Arabia. The initiative is expected to significantly boost grid digitalization and automation, ensuring a more stable and resilient power supply for the country.
First Gas Turbine Outage Led by Saudi Nationals
In a significant milestone for local workforce development, GE Vernova, in collaboration with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), announced the successful completion of the first gas turbine outage fully planned and executed by Saudi engineers and specialists. Conducted at the 8th Power Plant in Riyadh, this achievement highlights the country’s growing technical expertise and reinforces GE Vernova’s commitment to upskilling local talent.
MOU with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) to Drive Energy Digitalization
As part of its focus on digital transformation, GE Vernova’s Electrification Software business signed an MOU with SEC. The agreement aims to support Saudi Arabia’s efforts to digitize, modernize, and accelerate its energy transition in alignment with Vision 2030. SEC will explore the adoption of GE Vernova’s GridOS®, the first software portfolio designed for grid orchestration. The initiative also includes the potential development of a Regional Center of Competency & Excellence in Riyadh to facilitate training and implementation.
Protocols of Cooperation with Saudi EXIM Bank to Boost Energy Exports
In a move to enhance Saudi Arabia’s non-oil export capabilities, GE Vernova and Saudi EXIM Bank announced detailed Protocols of Cooperation. Building on an MOU signed in 2024, the partnership is designed to facilitate the export of GE Vernova’s energy solutions from Saudi Arabia to global markets. This collaboration supports the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification strategy by promoting industrial growth beyond the oil sector.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is a transformative initiative aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on oil revenues while fostering economic and social development. GE Vernova’s strategic initiatives are aligned with this vision, contributing to industrial growth, job creation, and sustainable energy solutions. By expanding local manufacturing, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and investing in human capital, GE Vernova is playing a crucial role in advancing the Kingdom’s clean energy future.
The ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydrogen, is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy. GE Vernova’s expertise in power generation, electrification, and grid modernization is expected to accelerate this transition, helping the Kingdom achieve its renewable energy targets.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Saudi Arabia’s Energy Evolution
GE Vernova’s ‘New Era of Energy’ forum marked a pivotal moment in Saudi Arabia’s energy transformation journey. By bringing together key stakeholders and unveiling bold new initiatives, the company reinforced its role as a trusted partner in the Kingdom’s quest for energy sustainability and economic diversification.
As Saudi Arabia continues to push forward with its energy transition, the strategic collaborations and investments announced at the forum will play a critical role in shaping the nation’s future. With an emphasis on innovation, localization, and workforce development, GE Vernova is committed to powering the Kingdom’s next era of energy growth and sustainability.
Do follow gulf magazine on Instagram
for more information click here
