It is reported that the approximately 1.8 GW Taiba 2 CCGT (Combined Cycle Gas Turbine) project in Saudi Arabia achieved First Fire on gas turbine GT11 in August 2026. This is described as a key milestone in the commissioning phase ahead of commercial operation, indicating that the project has entered a decisive stage toward completion.
The Taiba 2 project is a large-scale combined-cycle power project in which the Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) participates as the Principal Buyer, while a consortium composed of EDF, Al-Jomaih Energy and Water, and Buhur for Investment is developing the project as an IPP (Independent Power Producer). The specific model or manufacturer of the gas turbines has not been disclosed. The project is reported to be designed as carbon-capture-ready, allowing for the future addition of carbon-reduction facilities.
The project’s generation capacity is approximately 1.8 GW, and gas turbine GT11 achieved First Fire in August 2026, according to reports. First Fire is the procedure that confirms an individual turbine within a multi-turbine combined-cycle plant can be ignited and operated normally, after which comprehensive commissioning and performance testing lead to commercial operation. With a capacity of 1.8 GW, the plant is capable of meeting the electricity demand of a large industrial complex or metropolitan area, and it is regarded as one of the notable large-scale CCGT projects in Saudi Arabia.
The project is being pursued as part of Saudi Arabia’s national power infrastructure expansion tied to its Vision 2030 strategy, and by adopting a carbon-capture-ready design, it is reported to have built in room to respond to future tightening of carbon emissions regulations. It is also cited as an example of a power project development model combining international and local capital, given that a consortium of European power developers led by EDF and local investors is undertaking the project under the IPP structure. Saudi Arabia is reportedly pursuing multiple large-scale CCGT and renewable energy projects in parallel under the IPP model to meet rising electricity demand as part of Vision 2030, and the Taiba 2 project is proceeding as an extension of this national power infrastructure expansion policy.
The continued construction of large carbon-capture-ready CCGT plants illustrates that gas-fired power remains an important baseload and mid-merit power source even amid the expansion of renewable energy, and this is seen as a factor sustaining ongoing demand across the related gas turbine and power equipment supply chain and the broader EPC industry. It is also noted that the participation of European power developers alongside local investors in large IPP power projects suggests the continued spread of internationally structured consortium development models in the Middle East power market.
Attention is focused on how the schedule for igniting the remaining gas turbines and completing comprehensive commissioning will proceed following GT11’s First Fire, and when the commercial operation date will be finalized.