Iraqi PM inaugurates 500MW power station as country expands capacity of electricity grid ENERGY

Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi inaugurated a 500-megawatt power plant in the country’s south yesterday as Opec’s second-largest producer revamps its electricity grid.

The Samawa simple cycle power station was built by American multinational General Electric and is the first utility-scale unit to be set up in Al Muthanna province since 1975.

During the second phase of the project, the plant will be converted into a combined-cycle power plant with the capacity to generate 750MW of electricity, said Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity spokesman Ahmed Al Abadi.

“Looking ahead, we know that Iraq still needs to add more power capacity. To that end, we are in the process of commencing work on the second phase of the Samawa project,” he said.

Rebuilding Iraq’s power infrastructure is a critical priority for the government.

Power disruptions have sparked protests against the government, particularly during summer months, when temperatures can reach as high as 50°C.

GE is working on Iraqi projects with a combined capacity of 14 gigawatts as part of a strategic overhaul of the country’s power sector.

Iraq’s Ministry of Finance, GE and backers such as the UAE’s Etihad Credit Insurance last week reached financial close on the rehabilitation of critical power infrastructure at seven plants in the country.

GE will provide capital, spare parts, carry out repairs and offer other services to the Qudus, Khairat, Baghdad South, Hilla, Mussayab, Haidariya and Karbala power stations to help maintain a more reliable generating capacity of up to 2.7 gigawatts.

The power infrastructure will be supported by GE’s operations in the UAE.

The company is already carrying out rehabilitation work at Al Qayara power station in Mosul, the country’s largest combined cycle plant in Besmaya and the southern Najibiya power plant.

“We realise that a lot more work still needs to be done to meet Iraq’s growing energy needs and we are committed to help power the country forward with industry-leading technology, global experts, talented local employees and investments in community development efforts,” said Joseph Anis, president and chief executive of GE Gas Power in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

We know Iraq needs to add more power capacity and we are commencing work on the second phase of the Samawa project AHMED AL ABADI Electricity ministry spokesman