GE Gas Power is actively contributing to Kuwait’s energy and economic development by not only providing advanced gas turbines, services, and upgrades but also by fostering the growth of local professionals through the GE Kuwait Technology Centre (GEKTC).
This one-of-a-kind facility serves both domestic and international customers, including prominent oil and gas companies. It consists of a training centre, a tooling centre, and a division dedicated to progressive research and development, consolidating knowledge, learning, and innovation under one roof. The GEKTC aligns with the objectives of Kuwait Vision 2035, a roadmap for the country’s future.
At the helm of the GEKTC is Mariam Alrushaid, a chemical engineer who embarked on her career in the oil and gas industry in 2010. The centre’s capabilities extend beyond Kuwait to serve the region, providing diverse training programs to support the power sector, a state-of-the-art R&D Centre, and a Tooling Centre equipped to maintain and enhance power generation technologies, including integrated hydrogen solutions for improved plant performance. This positions the GEKTC as a driving force shaping Kuwait’s energy future.
Kuwait’s emergence as a knowledge hub and its commitment to gender equality have paved the way for the younger generation to pursue diverse roles across sectors. Alrushaid emphasizes that skills, capabilities, and knowledge should be the basis for evaluating individuals, irrespective of their gender. Growing up in an oil field family sparked her passion for science, which guided her towards a career in the STEM field. Her inquisitive nature and thirst for knowledge from an early age nurtured her interest in understanding the intricacies of everyday phenomena.
With 13 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Alrushaid remains deeply curious about new discoveries and scientific knowledge that shape human life. As the Senior Services Director at the 6,000 sqm GE Kuwait Technology Center, she fulfills her passion by connecting individuals to the wonders of science.
What attracted Alrushaid to GE was its culture of diversity and inclusion across its operations. The GEKTC, being the first facility of its kind outside the United States, serves three core areas in the power sector: training, tooling, and engineering. The training centre offers comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training on various equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and aero derivative gas turbines.
The tooling centre serves as a repair hub, providing timely service support to local and international customers, while the R&D centre addresses critical technology areas by leveraging the skills and facilities of the engineering community in Kuwait and the region. Through 24/7 remote monitoring of GE’s gas turbines installed in power plants across the Middle East, Africa, and India, the GEKTC can promptly respond to complex control issues and improve plant reliability.
Reflecting on the early phase of her career, Alrushaid recalls the scepticism surrounding women working in the field. However, she defied traditional beliefs and proved that women can excel in any environment as long as they possess the necessary skills. At the GEKTC, she takes pride in training the young generation, both men and women, to embark on careers in the power sector. The presence of numerous women engineers in the field at GE is a testament to their commitment to encouraging diversity.
Passionate about encouraging more women to pursue STEM streams and non-traditional fields, Alrushaid advises young female professionals to believe in themselves, empower themselves, and advocate for their worth. She emphasizes the importance of combating imposter syndrome and unfair criticism by recognizing one’s own accomplishments. Additionally, she encourages women to put themselves out there and be their own advocates, as self-belief is crucial for success.
On World Day for Safety and Health at Work, Alrushaid highlights GEKTC’s role in fostering a safety-first culture in Kuwait and the region. The centre’s EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) strategy prioritizes a safe working environment that complies with local laws and global standards while continuously improving EHS performance. By providing comprehensive EHS training and adhering to GE Gas Power’s procedures and requirements, GEKTC ensures the prevention of accidents, injuries, and illnesses caused by workplace hazards. The commitment of department heads and senior leaders to lead by example sets the standard for all employees, creating a safe and healthy workplace for everyone involved.