GE signs deals worth $1bn to upgrade Iraq power grid
Projects to help meet peak summer demand
GE has signed over $1 billion worth of contracts with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity for power generation and maintenance projects in the Middle Eastern nation, it announced.
The GE ‘Power Up Plan’ comprises a set of technological upgrades and solutions to ensure essential incremental power, adding 700 MW to the national grid in time for the summer period. Financing is already in place for the initial stage of projects, worth $328 million, the American conglomerate said.
“We are committed to strengthening our infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electricity, particularly during peak summer months, including the upcoming summer season,” said Mussab Al Mudaris, Speaker of the Ministry of Electricity.
“GE’s Power Up Plan illustrates GE’s commitment to helping Iraq during current economic challenges. The set of solutions it brings includes upgrades and maintenance projects that will strengthen our Power Plant’s productivity and efficiency levels.”
GE has begun the shipment of parts and as well as the on-site execution of these projects at MoE plants in Iraq. Technology upgrades include, among others, heavy fuel oil conversions that will help scale up productivity and the installation of advanced hot gas path components at the various gas turbines.
The GE Power Up Plan underlines the company’s commitment to Iraq, where it has over four decades of partnerships in the power sector, said Azeez Mohammed, President & CEO, Power Services, MEA at GE. “With the introduction of our Advanced Gas Path (AGP) solution and related works agreed upon to the heavy duty gas turbines at the power plants, we can significantly scale up capacity while also minimizing operational downtime.”
