Turkish contractor Gama Power Systems has been awarded the main construction contract for the PP13 power plant project in Saudi Arabia.

Gama will install the main power island for the PP13 project, which will consist of two blocks. Each block will contain three GE combustion turbine generators.

MEED reported in May that Gama Power Systems, part of Gama Holding, has submitted the lowest price for the 1,800MW PP13 project.The plant will be constructed about 140 kilometres west of Riyadh, next to Durma where the PP12 plant is currently being constructed.

The PP13 project was tendered, along with the PP14 project, using an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) model, as part of SEC’s recent strategy of experimenting with a variety of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) models to procure and deliver major power generation facilities.

 Chinese contractor Sepco 3 has been awarded a contract to build the 1,755MW PP14 power plant in Riyadh.

Under the EPCM model, SEC has split the PP13 and PP14 projects into multiple construction packages and has appointed a project engineer to manage the schemes.

Australia’s WorleyParsons managed the tendering process for the projects. In April 2013, the engineering consultancy was awarded the estimated $125m EPCM contract for the PP14 and PP13 projects. WorleyParsons will provide conceptual engineering, detailed design, material procurement, project and construction management, and commissioning management services.

In November 2013, the US’ GE was awarded a $700m contract from SEC to supply turbines and generators for the two power plants.

GE will provide 12 combined-cycle gas turbines, four steam turbines and 16 generators for the PP13 and PP14 facilities. PP13 will be located next to SEC’s PP11 and PP12 plants at Dhurma, near Riyadh, and PP14 will be located next to PP10.

GE’s deal also includes two contractual service agreements, one for each site, which cover maintenance of the units for a fixed eight-year period.