Tynagh Energy Ltd has announced that GE Energy will operate and maintain the 400- megawatt Tynagh Power Plant and ensure that it complies with the highest environmental standards.
“GE Energy is a leading operations and maintenance provider running over 80 plants worldwide,” said John O’Connor, general manager with Tynagh Energy Ltd. “This contract expands GE’s day-to-day relationship with the Tynagh facility and illustrates GE’s unique capability in the power industry to provide state-of-the-art technology coupled with operations and maintenance services, as well as significant capital investments in essential electricity infrastructure. This new contract reflects GE’s continued commitment to the Galway region and ensures that the facility operates to the highest possible standards.”
GE helped construct the plant using state-of-the-art technology, and later acquired a 40 per cent equity stake through its GE Energy Financial Services unit, which also became a 50 per cent joint venture partner with Gama Enerji, an indirect 40 per cent investor in Tynagh Power. The combined cycle gas turbine power plant, which began commercial operation in March 2006, is now established as a major player in Ireland’s electricity generating sector.
“Operations and maintenance programmes, like the one in place at Tynagh, can help improve the reliability of electricity production and help minimise equipment downtime at the plant, which is a major contributor to the continuing economic health of the region,” said Dermot Logan of GE Energy. “The new O&M agreement also allows for upgrades to the latest technologies supplied by GE and access to dedicated, full-time personnel. We are excited to be a partner in this strategic project and to add this agreement to our growing portfolio of O&M sites.”
The Tynagh plant employs more than 30 permanent staff and contributes significantly to community development of the Tynagh area. “The team at Tynagh works hard to ensure that the power plant makes a positive contribution to the east Galway region,” Mr O’Connor added. “We will work with our new operating partners GE Energy to continue this positive relationship
