The Taiba-2 combined-cycle power plant under construction in Saudi Arabia announced on August 29, 2026 that it has achieved first fire on Gas Turbine Unit 11 (GT11), part of the plant’s 1.8GW capacity. The project was awarded by the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), with development and construction led by a consortium of France’s EDF, Al-Jomaih Energy and Water, and Buhur for Investment, according to the report.
The Taiba-2 project is a gas turbine-based combined-cycle (CCGT, Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) power plant designed with provisions for future carbon capture equipment, it is reported. The first fire milestone marks the entry of Gas Turbine Unit 11 into the commissioning phase, described as one of the final major steps before commercial operation. EDF is reported to be leading the plant’s commissioning, while the specific gas turbine manufacturer and other equipment suppliers have not been disclosed.
The Taiba-2 combined-cycle power plant has a generating capacity of 1.8GW, and Gas Turbine Unit 11 (GT11) achieved first fire on August 29, 2026, according to the report. The client is the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC), and the development consortium comprises EDF, Al-Jomaih Energy and Water, and Buhur for Investment.
The Taiba-2 project is reported to be part of Saudi Arabia’s Independent Power Producer (IPP) program aimed at expanding gas turbine-based generation capacity to meet rising electricity demand. The carbon-capture-ready design is said to be aimed at preparing for tighter future emissions regulations.
The sequential progress of large gas turbine power projects to the first fire stage illustrates both the Middle East’s growing power infrastructure demand and the project management capabilities of international power development consortia. Carbon-capture-ready design could become a more standard design criterion for future power projects.
Key points to watch include the timing of commercial operation for Gas Turbine Unit 11 and the overall commercial startup schedule for the full plant.