GE secures West-East pipeline deal

General Electric has a won a US$196 million contract to help build China’s West-East Gas Pipeline, state media reported. The US-based company signed an agreement with the West-East Gas Pipeline Company to provide gas turbines, compressors, installation and testing services to 12 newly-built compressor stations along the pipeline. The equipment will be installed between 2006 and 2009. The pipeline is expected to bring natural gas to Shanghai from the Tarim Basin in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Autonomous Region as well as providing an opportunity for a link-up with energy providers in Russia or Kazakhstan.