GE to invest more in power projects

General Electric plans to invest more in gas-based electricity generation projects in Bangladesh as the US conglomerate wants to boost its revenue growth from industrial business.

GE sees the government's target to achieve 39,000MW power generation capacity by 2030 as an opportunity and plans to support new projects.

“We have invested significantly in our core business schemes in Bangladesh, including power, healthcare, aviation, transportation and energy,” said John G Rice, vice-chairman of GE.

“Of these sectors, power, healthcare and aviation have brought some of the biggest projects for us.”

He said the emerging economies in South Asia, including Bangladesh, will play a key role in the growth of GE's industrial business.

GE's partnership in Bangladesh started three years ago with local business conglomerate Summit Group's Meghnaghat power project that has recently been commissioned.

GE also has a 20 percent equity stake in the 341MW Bibiyana II gas-based power project. The projects together have a generation capacity of 681MW.

Apart from the equity, GE also provided equipment and undertook installation and testing activities in the projects.

“We believe that there is a need to continue investing in gas-based power plants as opposed to liquid fuel since power generation using LNG is more cost effective and creates less pollution,” Rice said in an interview with The Daily Star in Dhaka.

Max Power is another local company with whom GE is now in talks to set up more power plants using gas from domestic production and Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU).

State-run Bangladesh Power Development Board is also a partner of GE by way of procurement and construction contracts.

Currently, gas-based power plants account for 65 percent of Bangla-desh's electricity generation, which is expected to increase with the renewed focus of the government to develop offshore blocks and open onshore blocks for exploration and production activities.

GE has a sizeable presence in Bangladesh with 29 gas turbines already installed and four major power projects that are currently under commissioning.

“We are also in discussions to set up more power plants with Summit Group using gas from both domestic production and FSRU,” Rice said.

The 58-year-old said Bangladesh is an important market for GE where it has good presence.

“We see lots of opportunities to work with local companies, who can support our efforts, provide services and be distributors for us and be partners in power projects. From almost every angle, Bangladesh is a good market for us to do business for a long time.”

With presence in 170 countries, GE is focused on technology and leadership development and aims to bulk up footprint and tap growth opportunities.

The GE official praised Bangla-desh's economy as it is growing twice the global GDP rate.

“It is clear that the government has set priority for the power sector. The aspiration of adding more megawatts onto the power grid can happen only if fuel is available,” he said.

Apart from the power sector, GE is also committed to improving the healthcare services in Bangladesh. It has partnered with United Hospital for the country's first molecular oncology and digital mammography centres.

“We are keen to work with the government for the proliferation of healthcare services. Our affordable products are well-suited for use in remote locations of the country,” Rice said.

GE has a dedicated segment focused on creating cost effective solutions in healthcare, including services, technologies and capabilities, to reach people who cannot afford high cost of treatment and live away from cities.

“For the last 5-10 years, we have put efforts to develop technologies,” he said, citing GE's ultrasound machines that are 30 percent to 50 percent less expensive than their previous low-cost units.

GE has designed baby respirators that are also 30 percent to 40 percent cheaper than the previous models.

A few years ago GE developed a handheld ultrasound machine that can be used by any doctor, nurse and midwife to treat pregnant women, removing the need for a stethoscope or a thermometer, which are typical equipment.

“This allows any problems during pregnancy to be detected much before mothers or their unborn children get affected,” he said.

Rice said GE has several roles to play in Bangladesh. “We impart training on standards of the care that apply to our equipment.”

In a number of countries, GE has worked with health ministries to boost hospital efficiency.

GE is also associated with Biman Bangladesh Airlines as it powers around 60 percent of the national flag carrier's fleet.

“We will continue to support the aviation sector with GE's service offerings and highly advanced class of engines,” he said.