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Comprehensive Technical Report: PetroMasila Power Plant - Aden, Yemen

Report Date: July 18, 2025

1. Executive Summary

The PetroMasila Power Plant in Aden, Republic of Yemen, stands as a strategically vital asset within the nation's energy infrastructure, boasting a total capacity of 264 MW. This facility plays a critical role in addressing Yemen's dynamic energy demands and mitigating grid instability. The report highlights the inherent advantages of General Electric (now GE Vernova) aeroderivative gas turbines, specifically focusing on the TM2500 model's multi-fuel operational flexibility and rapid deployment capabilities. These attributes are particularly crucial for the region's fluctuating fuel availability and urgent power needs. A significant strategic initiative involves the plant's shift towards utilizing previously flared associated gas from oil fields. This transition is poised to deliver substantial benefits by enhancing national energy security, significantly reducing operational expenditures through decreased reliance on costly imported diesel fuel, and mitigating environmental impact by curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The subsequent sections of this report provide a detailed technical analysis, encompassing fuel consumption rates for various fuel types, the fundamental operational principles of the Brayton Cycle as applied to the TM2500, and the intricate procedures involved in seamless, on-line fuel changes. This comprehensive examination underscores the plant's robust operational resilience and its profound contribution to stabilizing Yemen's energy future.

2. Introduction

Yemen's energy landscape is currently characterized by profound challenges, including severely damaged infrastructure and highly volatile fuel availability, issues significantly exacerbated by prolonged conflict within the nation.1 In such a precarious environment, the presence of reliable and flexible power generation assets becomes not merely beneficial but absolutely paramount for national stability and recovery. The PetroMasila Power Plant in Aden emerges as a cornerstone component of the national energy strategy, designed to provide stable electricity and strategically leverage indigenous domestic resources. This report aims to deliver a comprehensive technical analysis of the PetroMasila Power Plant, with a specific focus on its operational characteristics, the underlying engineering principles of its gas turbine technology, and its sophisticated multi-fuel capabilities. The forthcoming sections will systematically delve into a detailed plant overview, present precise fuel consumption figures across different fuel types, elucidate the operational mechanics of the GE Vernova TM2500 gas turbine, and meticulously describe the intricate procedures involved in fuel switching. The report will conclude with a discussion of broader operational considerations and the strategic implications these capabilities hold for Yemen's energy future.

3. PetroMasila Power Plant Overview

The PetroMasila power plant, situated in Aden, Republic of Yemen, is a critical power generation facility with a substantial total output capacity of 264 MW.3 This plant is operated by the state-owned Masila Petroleum Exploration and Production Company (PetroMasila), establishing it as a key asset for power generation within Yemen.3

Plant Capacity and Turbine Models

The Aden power station, under the operation of PetroMasila, is confirmed to have a total capacity of 264 MW.3 Detailed examination of available information indicates that this 264 MW capacity is primarily derived from two GE 9E gas turbine units, each contributing 132 MW, operating in a simple cycle configuration. These units are designed to operate on Light Crude Oil (LCO) and Light Diesel Oil (LDO) and were commissioned around 2021 and 2022.4

It is important to acknowledge a distinction in turbine models. While the primary 264 MW facility in Aden utilizes GE 9E turbines, the user query explicitly requests a focus on the GE Vernova TM2500 model for this report's detailed technical analysis, operational principles, and fuel consumption calculations. GE TM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines, typically rated at 34 MW per unit under ISO conditions, have indeed been ordered and installed by PetroMasila, but primarily at other strategic locations. These include Block 14 in the Hadramout region and Block 10 in the East Shabwa region.2 These TM2500 units are integral to PetroMasila's broader operational objectives, such as supporting oil exploration and extraction processes and, critically, utilizing previously flared associated gas.2 This indicates a diversified asset portfolio for PetroMasila, where different turbine models are selected for specific applications; for instance, heavy-duty 9E turbines for base load power in Aden versus mobile, flexible TM2500 units for remote oil fields and flared gas utilization. Therefore, in adherence to the specific instructions provided, the

GE Vernova TM2500 model will serve as the representative aeroderivative gas turbine for the subsequent in-depth technical analysis within this report.

Strategic Objectives and Fuel Transition

The operational profile of the PetroMasila plant is distinguished by its inherent flexibility across a diverse range of fuel sources, encompassing natural gas, diesel, and the potential for mazut or crude oil. A pivotal strategic initiative for the plant involves a deliberate shift towards utilizing previously flared associated gas, which is typically a byproduct of oil fields.2 This transition is designed to achieve multiple critical objectives. Firstly, it aims to significantly enhance Yemen's energy security by leveraging domestic resources, thereby reducing reliance on external and often volatile fuel markets. Secondly, it is projected to substantially reduce operational expenditures by transitioning away from more costly imported diesel fuel.8 Finally, this strategic move is intended to mitigate environmental impact by reducing greenhouse gas emissions that would otherwise result from gas flaring.8

The rapid deployment capabilities and modular design characteristic of aeroderivative turbines like the TM2500 are indispensable for addressing the dynamic energy demands and fluctuating fuel availability prevalent in the region.8 These attributes enable the swift provision of power solutions, particularly in areas where infrastructure has been damaged or is inherently unstable.1

PetroMasila Power Plant - Key Specifications

Value	Description
Plant Name	PetroMasila Power Plant (Aden Power Station)
Location	Aden, Republic of Yemen
Total Capacity	264 MW
Primary Turbine Model (as per query's focus for technical analysis)	GE Vernova TM2500
Key Fuel Strategy	Multi-fuel (Natural Gas, Diesel, Mazut/Crude Oil), Strategic shift to associated gas utilization

4. GE Vernova TM2500 Gas Turbine: Operational Principles

The GE Vernova TM2500, an advanced aeroderivative gas turbine, operates based on the fundamental principles of the Brayton Cycle. This continuous thermodynamic process efficiently converts the chemical energy stored within fuel into mechanical rotational energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy by an attached generator. The design of the TM2500, directly inherited from sophisticated aircraft jet engines, provides it with exceptional characteristics vital for flexible and responsive power generation.

The Brayton Cycle Stages

The Brayton Cycle, as implemented in the TM2500, involves four primary stages:

• Air Intake and Compression: Atmospheric air is first drawn into the turbine through a highly efficient inlet filter system. This system is crucial for protecting the turbine's internal components from airborne particulates, a particularly important consideration in challenging environments such as desert regions.8 The filtered air then enters the axial flow compressor, where it undergoes multiple stages of progressive compression through a series of rotating blades and stationary vanes. This process significantly increases the air's pressure, with compression ratios typically exceeding 20:1 for variants like the LM2500+G4, from which the TM2500 is derived.14 The work exerted during compression also leads to a substantial increase in the air's temperature. While ideally adiabatic and reversible, this compression achieves an impressive isentropic efficiency of 85-90% in real-world operation.14 The integration of Variable Stator Vanes (VSV) further optimizes this process by preventing compressor stall or surge, ensuring stable airflow.14
• Combustion: Following compression, the highly compressed and pre-heated air flows into the combustion chamber(s). Here, fuel—whether natural gas, diesel, or other liquid fuels—is precisely injected and thoroughly mixed with the compressed air.14 Igniters initiate the combustion process, which rapidly becomes self-sustaining. Combustion occurs at nearly constant pressure, resulting in a dramatic increase in the gas temperature, reaching very high levels, potentially up to 1,300°C (2,400°F) at the turbine inlet. The LM2500, and by extension the TM2500, typically employs an annular combustor design equipped with multiple fuel nozzles that atomize liquid fuels into a fine mist, ensuring complete and stable combustion.14
• Expansion (Turbine Section): The hot, high-pressure combustion gases then expand rapidly through the turbine section. This section consists of multiple stages of airfoils, including rotating blades and stationary nozzles. As the gases expand and exert force upon these turbine blades, they impart energy, causing the turbine shaft to rotate at exceptionally high speeds.14 A portion of this rotational energy is utilized to drive the compressor through the gas generator turbine, while the remaining energy drives a separate, independent power turbine.14 This power turbine is directly coupled to the electrical generator, converting the mechanical rotation into electrical power. This innovative two-shaft design allows for optimized and independent operation of both the compressor and the generator, significantly enhancing the turbine's overall operational flexibility.
• Exhaust: Finally, the expanded, lower-pressure, and still hot gases are expelled through an exhaust stack. In simple cycle operation, which is the predominant mode for the mobile TM2500, this exhaust heat is typically released directly into the atmosphere. However, in a combined cycle configuration, this otherwise wasted heat can be efficiently captured by a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) to produce steam. This steam can then drive a secondary steam turbine to generate additional electricity, thereby substantially boosting the overall plant efficiency.14

Aeroderivative Design Benefits

The TM2500's aeroderivative design, directly derived from proven aircraft jet engines, bestows upon it exceptional operational characteristics that are particularly advantageous in dynamic power generation scenarios 8:

• High Power Density: The compact footprint of the TM2500 allows for a significantly higher power output per unit of space, making it an efficient choice for constrained sites.11
• Rapid Start-up Times: The turbine is capable of reaching full power in as little as 5 to 10 minutes from a cold start when operating on natural gas.12 This "fast power" capability is invaluable for emergency power provision and for stabilizing electrical grids.
• Quick Load Response: The TM2500 can rapidly adjust its power output in response to fluctuating grid demands, providing essential flexibility for grid management.13
• Modularity and Mobility: Packaged on a two- or three-trailer system, the TM2500 is designed for easy transport by land, air, or sea, enabling rapid deployment, often within 30 days of contract signature, with installation and commissioning possible in as few as 11 days.8 This "power plant on wheels" concept is ideally suited for temporary peak shaving, supporting plant shutdowns, or responding to emergency situations.11
• High Reliability: Benefiting from its aviation legacy, the TM2500 boasts impressive reliability statistics, with reported availability exceeding 99.8% and reliability greater than 99.9%.13

These technical features of the TM2500 are not merely performance metrics; they directly address and mitigate the profound challenges inherent in Yemen's energy sector. The nation's electricity infrastructure is severely damaged, leading to sporadic and unreliable power supply, widespread grid instability, and frequent blackouts.1 The rapid deployment capability of the TM2500, with installation times as short as 11 to 30 days, means that power can be swiftly brought online to critical areas or to bridge supply gaps caused by damaged transmission lines.1 Furthermore, the fast start-up and quick load response capabilities make these turbines exceptionally well-suited for "grid firming" and "balancing renewables".21 This ability to quickly ramp up or down is essential for stabilizing a volatile grid and managing the intermittency introduced by other power sources. This transforms a specific technical characteristic into a crucial strategic capability, directly contributing to energy resilience and humanitarian efforts in a conflict-affected region. The inherent design of the TM2500 thus provides a powerful example of how specific technological attributes can be uniquely valuable in challenging operational environments, extending beyond standard efficiency or output considerations to become critical tools for national stability and recovery.

5. Fuel Consumption Analysis (264 MW at Full Load)

The fuel consumption rates of a gas turbine, including the GE TM2500, are highly dependent on factors such as operational load, ambient conditions, the specific turbine model configuration (e.g., Dry Low Emissions (DLE) vs. Single Annular Combustor (SAC) variants), and the heating value of the fuel itself. For the 264 MW PetroMasila plant, assuming it were to comprise approximately 7.54 GE Vernova TM2500 units (based on an average output of 35 MW per unit at ISO conditions), the estimated full-load fuel consumption rates are detailed below. It is important to reiterate that these calculations are based on the specified characteristics of the TM2500, in accordance with the query's focus, even though the 264 MW Aden power station primarily utilizes GE 9E turbines.

Assumptions for Calculations

• Turbine Type: GE Vernova TM2500 (averaging DLE and SAC variants for heat rates). The DLE variant's heat rate of approximately 8,707 Btu/kWh (LHV) is consistently referenced.16
• Operating Conditions: Full load (264 MW), ISO conditions (15°C (59°F), 60% relative humidity, sea level), representing optimal efficiency.24 It is recognized that real-world conditions in Aden, such as higher ambient temperatures, would typically lead to increased actual fuel consumption due to turbine derating.
• Fuel Heating Values (LHV - Lower Heating Value):

• Natural Gas: ≈1,000 Btu/scf (or ≈37.3 MJ/m³)
• Diesel (Distillate Liquid Fuel): ≈18,300 Btu/lb (or ≈42.5 MJ/kg; ≈38.6 MJ/liter at a density of ≈0.86 kg/liter)
• Mazut/Crude Oil: ≈17,000 Btu/lb (or ≈39.5 MJ/kg; ≈36 MJ/liter at a density of ≈0.9 kg/liter)

• Barrel Conversion: 1 barrel (bbl) = 159 liters.

A. Natural Gas Consumption

The average heat rate for the TM2500 DLE variant is approximately 8,700 Btu/kWh (LHV).16

Total Heat Input Required:

264,000 kW × 8,700 Btu/kWh = 2,296,800,000 Btu/hr

Total Natural Gas Consumption:

• Hourly:

• 2,296,800 scf/hr (standard cubic feet per hour)
• 64,952.64 Sm³/hr (standard cubic meters per hour)

• Daily:

• 55,123,200 scf/day
• 1,558,863.36 Sm³/day

B. Diesel (Distillate Liquid Fuel) Consumption

An average Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) of approximately 0.25 L/kWh at full load is assumed for diesel. This value is considered a typical operational parameter for aeroderivative turbines on liquid fuel, given that direct L/kWh figures for diesel consumption were not explicitly provided in the available information, which primarily focuses on heat rates and efficiencies.15

Total Diesel Consumption:

• Hourly:

• 264,000 kW × 0.25 L/kWh = 66,000 L/hr
• In barrels per hour (bbl/hr): 66,000 L/hr / 159 L/bbl = 415.09 bbl/hr
• In US gallons per hour (gal/hr): 17,437.25 gal/hr

• Daily:

• 1,584,000 L/day
• In barrels per day (bbl/day): 1,584,000 L/day / 159 L/bbl = 9,962.26 bbl/day
• In US gallons per day (gal/day): 418,494 gal/day

C. Mazut (Heavy Fuel Oil) / Crude Oil Consumption

An average Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) is estimated at 0.28 L/kWh for mazut/crude oil. This is approximately 10-15% higher volumetric consumption than diesel, attributed to lower energy content and potential efficiency impacts. Similar to diesel, this is an assumed value for calculation purposes.

Total Mazut/Crude Oil Consumption:

• Hourly:

• 264,000 kW × 0.28 L/kWh = 73,920 L/hr
• In barrels per hour (bbl/hr): 73,920 L/hr / 159 L/bbl = 464.91 bbl/hr
• In US gallons per hour (gal/hr): 19,530 gal/hr

• Daily:

• 1,774,080 L/day
• In barrels per day (bbl/day): 1,774,080 L/day / 159 L/bbl = 11,157.73 bbl/day
• In US gallons per day (gal/day): 468,720 gal/day

Summary of Full Load Total Fuel Consumption (264 MW Plant)

Fuel Type	Hourly Consumption (Approx.)	Daily Consumption (Approx.)
Natural Gas	2,296,800 scf/hr / 64,952.64 Sm³/hr	55,123,200 scf/day / 1,558,863.36 Sm³/day
Diesel	66,000 L/hr / 415.09 bbl/hr / 17,437.25 gal/hr	1,584,000 L/day / 9,962.26 bbl/day / 418,494 gal/day
Mazut/Crude Oil	73,920 L/hr / 464.91 bbl/hr / 19,530 gal/hr	1,774,080 L/day / 11,157.73 bbl/day / 468,720 gal/day

Note: These are estimated values. Actual consumption will be influenced by real-time ambient conditions (e.g., higher temperatures in Aden leading to derating and higher specific consumption), precise fuel quality, turbine degradation, and operational adjustments.

The calculated daily fuel consumption figures underscore the immense financial and environmental burden associated with relying on imported liquid fuels like diesel. The strategic shift towards utilizing previously flared associated gas, as highlighted in the plant's objectives, is therefore not merely a technical preference but a critical economic and environmental imperative for Yemen. The information indicates that the TM2500 units are specifically intended to use "previously flared associated gas" to "reduce diesel consumption" and "eliminate the use of diesel," which is described as a "higher emitting and expensive fuel".2 Furthermore, flaring itself is identified as an "economic waste" and a contributor to "environmental pollution" through methane, hydrocarbons, and CO2 equivalent emissions.9 Given the "fuel crisis" in Yemen 1, converting a waste product like flared gas into a valuable energy source directly addresses these challenges. This approach reduces the nation's dependence on expensive imports, thereby conserving foreign exchange and lowering operational costs. Simultaneously, it significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with flaring, aligning with global environmental objectives. This transition represents a powerful example of resource optimization and sustainable energy development in a nation rich in hydrocarbon resources but affected by conflict. The choice of fuel type, driven by both availability and cost, thus has cascading effects on the national economy, environmental footprint, and energy independence, particularly for nations with indigenous hydrocarbon resources that might otherwise be wasted.

6. Multi-Fuel Capability: Mechanism and Procedure

The multi-fuel capability of the GE Vernova TM2500 is a profound operational advantage, enabling the PetroMasila plant to adapt swiftly to varying fuel availability, fluctuations in cost, and evolving environmental regulations. The foundation of this operational flexibility resides in the turbine's sophisticated combustion system and its intricately integrated control logic, which together facilitate seamless transitions between gaseous and liquid fuels.

Mechanism of Fuel Change

The ability to switch between fuels is supported by several key engineering features:

• Dedicated Fuel Delivery Systems: The TM2500 package is equipped with independent fuel skids and distinct piping networks for each fuel type.26 This includes separate systems for natural gas, distillate liquid fuels (such as diesel), and, where applicable, pre-treated heavier liquid fuels like mazut or crude oil. Each system is comprehensively outfitted with its own pumps (e.g., a fuel pump boost element and high-pressure element for liquid fuel), filters, flow meters, pressure regulators, and precision control valves. These components collectively ensure that conditioned fuel is delivered to the turbine at the correct parameters.26
• Dual (or Multi) Fuel Nozzles/Combustors: The combustion chambers are ingeniously designed with specialized nozzles capable of injecting either gaseous or liquid fuels.14 Gaseous fuel nozzles deliver natural gas directly into the combustion zone, facilitating efficient mixing with compressed air.27 Conversely, liquid fuel nozzles are engineered to atomize liquid fuels into a fine mist, which is essential for achieving complete and stable combustion.14 Some advanced combustor designs may even integrate injection points for both fuel types within a single nozzle structure, further enhancing versatility.27
• Advanced Control System (DCS/GTCS): A highly integrated digital control system, such as the GE Mark VI or higher, acts as the central intelligence for managing fuel selection and transfer operations.28 This sophisticated system continuously monitors all critical operational parameters, including temperatures, pressures (e.g., PT-2021 for liquid fuel and PT-2027A/B for gas fuel), fuel flows, flame presence, and emissions levels.27 It executes predefined fuel transfer sequences with exceptional precision and coordination, managing the opening and closing of fuel valves and modulating fuel flow rates (e.g., ramping down the gas fuel flow rate, FSR2, while simultaneously ramping up the liquid fuel flow rate, FSR1) to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted transition without any significant power output fluctuations.29 Furthermore, the control system dynamically adjusts combustion parameters, such as the air-to-fuel ratio and the activation or modulation of water injection for NOx control, to maintain stable, efficient, and environmentally compliant operation on the newly selected fuel.12

Procedure Required to Perform a Fuel Change (Illustrative: Natural Gas to Diesel)

The fuel transfer process is typically automated and initiated by an operator from the control room. It is engineered to be an on-line, full-load "bumpless" transfer, meaning the turbine continues generating power without interruption or significant fluctuations during the switch.29

1. Pre-Transfer Checks: Prior to initiating any fuel switch, operators conduct thorough checks to ensure all conditions are met. This includes confirming the availability and quality of the target fuel (e.g., diesel), verifying it meets required specifications such as proper temperature, pressure, filtration, and absence of excessive water or contaminants.27 For heavier fuels like crude oil or mazut, it is paramount to confirm the fully operational status of the dedicated fuel treatment system. Additionally, all auxiliary systems pertinent to the target fuel, such as diesel pumps, fuel pre-heaters, and the water injection system (if required for NOx abatement on liquid fuel), must be confirmed as ready and operational.28 Finally, operating personnel in the control room must be fully aware of the impending transfer and prepared to monitor the process closely.
2. Initiate Fuel Transfer Command: The operator initiates the command to switch fuel (e.g., to diesel) via the turbine's Human-Machine Interface (HMI).28
3. Progressive Fuel Introduction and Reduction (The "Overlap" Phase): Upon command, the control system begins to gradually increase the flow of diesel to the liquid fuel nozzles. This involves opening liquid fuel stop valves and energizing liquid fuel pump clutches, allowing sufficient time for pressure to build within the liquid fuel system.29 Concurrently, and with precise synchronization, the control system gradually decreases the flow of natural gas to its respective nozzles.29 This critical ramping process typically takes approximately 30 seconds to complete.29 During this phase, the turbine operates on a controlled blend of both fuels. The control system continuously monitors vital combustion parameters, such as flame stability and exhaust temperature profiles, to ensure stable and complete combustion, thereby preventing flameouts or erratic operation.29 For NOx control, particularly if the Dry Low Emissions (DLE) system's performance on liquid fuel necessitates assistance, or if a Single Annular Combustor (SAC) is in use, the water injection system will be automatically activated and its flow modulated as necessary to meet emissions limits during the transition.12 The TM2500 DLE variant offers waterless NOx control on natural gas, but water injection is commonly employed for liquid fuels.
4. Completion of Transfer: Once the diesel flow reaches the required level for full-load operation and stable combustion on the liquid fuel is confirmed, the natural gas supply to the turbine is fully shut off.29 At this point, the turbine is operating solely on diesel.
5. Post-Transfer Adjustments: Following the transfer, the control system may perform final, minor adjustments to optimize turbine performance, including efficiency, load, and emissions, on the newly selected fuel. Operators continue to diligently monitor the turbine's overall performance (power output, exhaust gas temperature, vibrations, emissions) and the status of all relevant fuel systems.

While the concept of a "bumpless" fuel transfer implies a seamless, uninterrupted transition without power fluctuations, the practical reality can be more complex. Information indicates that a truly "bumpless" transfer "usually isn't" fully seamless and that the unit "might even trip" or become "very unstable during the changeover".29 This operational reality is often attributed to several technical complexities. For instance, the presence of "air in the liquid fuel piping" can lead to flame instability or even a complete loss of flame, triggering a turbine trip. Similarly, "leaks of the liquid fuel purge air check valves" or "poor liquid fuel atomization" can compromise combustion stability. Unstable fuel supply pressures during the transition also pose a significant challenge.29 These factors highlight that while the multi-fuel capability exists, achieving reliable and smooth transfers requires meticulous maintenance, robust system design, and continuous tuning of the control logic to minimize operational risks. The performance of critical components like check valves and fuel nozzles, which can degrade over time, particularly when the turbine runs predominantly on one fuel, directly impacts transfer reliability. For critical infrastructure in a volatile region like Yemen, the potential for trips during fuel transfer represents a significant operational risk that necessitates careful management and proactive maintenance strategies. This situation underscores that true "flexibility" in power generation often comes with increased complexity in maintenance and demands heightened operational vigilance.

7. Operational Considerations and Strategic Implications

The multi-fuel capability of the GE Vernova TM2500 at the PetroMasila power plant is more than a mere technical feature; it forms a cornerstone of its strategic value, enabling robust and adaptable operation within a challenging energy environment like Yemen. Beyond the direct mechanism of fuel change, this flexibility gives rise to several critical operational considerations and significant strategic implications.

Fuel Quality Management

Substandard fuel quality, such as high levels of impurities in crude oil or excessive water content in diesel, can severely degrade turbine performance, necessitate more frequent maintenance, and ultimately shorten component lifespan.32 Consequently, the implementation of robust on-site fuel treatment systems is essential, particularly for handling less refined fuels like mazut or crude oil, to ensure they consistently meet the turbine's stringent quality specifications.27 This is a crucial aspect given the plant's operational flexibility across various liquid fuels.

Environmental Compliance

Different fuel types inherently possess distinct emission profiles. Natural gas generally produces lower emissions compared to liquid fuels.11 To adhere to stringent NOx emission regulations when burning liquid fuels, water or steam injection systems are frequently employed.12 While the TM2500 DLE variant offers waterless NOx control on natural gas, the plant's design and operational protocols must ensure full compliance with all applicable local environmental standards for every fuel type utilized.13

Maintenance Regimes

Operation on liquid fuels, especially heavier variants like mazut or crude oil, typically mandates more frequent and intensive maintenance intervals for the combustion system. This includes regular fuel nozzle cleaning and combustor liner inspections, primarily due to the increased potential for coking, carbon deposits, or ash buildup.14 For the LM2500, the base engine for the TM2500, operating on liquid fuel necessitates hot section and combustor refurbishment after approximately 16,000 hours of operation, with a full engine overhaul required after 50,000 hours.14 These intervals are generally shorter than those for natural gas operation, which often allows for extended periods between major maintenance events.

Economic Dispatch

The inherent ability to switch between fuels provides PetroMasila with the crucial flexibility to select the most economically advantageous fuel at any given time.28 This capability enables agile responses to fluctuations in global market prices for natural gas, diesel, and crude oil, thereby maximizing profitability and minimizing operational costs. This flexibility is particularly vital in Yemen, where fuel availability and pricing can be highly volatile due to complex geopolitical factors and internal conflicts.1

This economic benefit, however, must be weighed against the operational consequences. Operating on liquid fuels, while potentially offering immediate cost savings, typically leads to increased maintenance requirements and shorter inspection or overhaul intervals for critical components such as combustors and fuel nozzles.14 This is a direct result of the nature of liquid fuel combustion, which can lead to issues like coking and ash deposits. Therefore, a direct trade-off exists between the immediate economic gains from burning cheaper liquid fuels and the long-term operational costs associated with increased maintenance expenditure, potential downtime, and reduced component lifespan. A plant operator must perform a careful cost-benefit analysis that comprehensively includes not only fuel price but also maintenance expenditure, spare parts inventory, and the opportunity cost of downtime. This necessitates a sophisticated maintenance strategy, potentially incorporating module exchanges and specialized cleaning procedures, to fully leverage the multi-fuel flexibility without incurring prohibitive long-term costs. This broader perspective highlights that true "flexibility" in power generation extends beyond merely the ability to switch fuel types; it encompasses a holistic view of operational economics, including maintenance, reliability, and asset longevity, which is a critical consideration for long-term plant viability, especially in regions where maintenance resources might be constrained.

Operational Resilience and Energy Security

The multi-fuel capability significantly enhances the plant's operational resilience, ensuring continuity of power generation even in scenarios where one fuel supply might be disrupted or becomes unavailable.11

The strategic shift to utilizing previously flared associated gas 2 directly contributes to Yemen's energy security by leveraging a domestic, readily available resource and reducing dependence on imported, expensive fuels.1 This is particularly vital for a country facing a "fuel crisis" and damaged electricity infrastructure.1 This initiative represents a comprehensive advantage for Yemen, effectively serving as a triple-win strategy. Firstly, it offers a substantial economic benefit: by transforming a wasted resource (flared gas) into a valuable energy source, it significantly reduces the reliance on "expensive imported diesel fuel".8 This directly lowers operational expenditures for PetroMasila and conserves foreign currency for Yemen, a nation grappling with severe economic challenges.1 Secondly, there is a clear environmental benefit: the utilization of flared gas drastically cuts greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and CO2 equivalents, that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change.8 This aligns with international best practices for responsible hydrocarbon production. Thirdly, it provides a critical energy security benefit: by utilizing an indigenous, readily available fuel source, Yemen reduces its vulnerability to external supply disruptions and the ongoing "fuel crisis".1 This ensures a more stable and predictable power supply for local communities.8 This comprehensive approach to resource management in developing nations with hydrocarbon reserves, where converting waste streams into energy, can simultaneously address economic, environmental, and social development goals, fostering greater self-sufficiency and sustainability.

8. Conclusion

The PetroMasila Power Plant in Aden, with its 264 MW capacity and strategic multi-fuel operational approach (exemplified by the capabilities of the GE Vernova TM2500), stands as an indispensable and adaptable asset within Yemen's challenging energy landscape. While the 264 MW Aden facility is equipped with GE 9E turbines, the operational principles and inherent advantages demonstrated by the TM2500—including its aeroderivative design, rapid deployment capabilities, and sophisticated multi-fuel operation—remain highly pertinent to PetroMasila's broader operations and the critical energy needs of the region.

The plant's ability to seamlessly transition between natural gas, diesel, and potentially heavier liquid fuels provides unparalleled operational flexibility. This allows the facility to dynamically respond to fluctuating fuel availability and market price volatility, optimizing resource utilization. The strategic initiative to utilize previously flared associated gas is a commendable and impactful undertaking that delivers substantial economic, environmental, and energy security benefits, effectively transforming a wasted byproduct into a vital power source. Despite the inherent technical complexities and the increased maintenance considerations associated with multi-fuel operation, the profound operational resilience and adaptability offered by these advanced gas turbines are indispensable. They ensure continuous and reliable power generation in an environment that is often dynamic and unpredictable. The PetroMasila power plant, therefore, serves as a compelling example of modern power generation strategies that prioritize adaptability and reliability, making a crucial contribution to stabilizing and rebuilding Yemen's energy infrastructure and supporting its communities.

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