General Electric (GE) aims to bring all four GE 6FA gas turbines at the 850-MW Vasilikos Power Station in Cyprus back into full operation before the end of the year. GE has already returned two turbines back to full service in June, after the power station had to be shut down July last year when it was hit by an explosion.
The Vasilikos Power Station, owned by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) , represents more than 50 percent of the power capacity installed on Cyprus.
The explosion occurred on July 11 at a naval base close to the power station. The blast from the explosion produced a wave that knocked out local power supplies and left Cyprus with a country-wide energy shortage.
"The rapid rehabilitation of two turbines at the power station was critical for island residents, helping Cyprus to regain its energy autonomy and limit the significant costs associated with the use of temporary power generator sets," GE said.
The four GE gas turbines at the plant produce 440 MW in combined-cycle operation, which accounts for about 52 percent of the plant's total installed capacity of 850 MW, according to GE.
The gas turbines which are currently being repaired have been supplied by GE in 2008 and installed in 2011, with all units covered by GE contractual service agreements.
In addition to the units for the Vasilikos plant, GE has also supplied EAC with five Frame 6B gas turbines at other sites in Cyprus.
GE said its technology provides 40 percent of Cyprus' total installed power capacity.