GE to help Iraq strengthen power infrastructure

• 1 year, 9 months ago (2023-02-17)
• David Flin

Gas 393 Middle East 326

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GE has signed an agreement with Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity (MoE) to explore opportunities to increase output through establishing new power plants and expanding capacity at existing facilities.

The agreement also provides for maintaining and rehabilitating installed power generation and transmission infrastructure for more secure electricity supply; establishing new substations to relieve grid congestion across various directorates; enhancing the interconnectivity between the Jordanian and Iraqi grids, and driving decarbonisation of Iraq’s energy sector.

GE also plans to strengthen local capabilities by setting up a Centre of Excellence that includes a monitoring and diagnostics facility for the MoE’s fleet, as well as a training centre for its staff.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Gas Power Europe, Middle East, and Africa, said: “Strengthening the power infrastructure in Iraq not only meets rising energy needs, but also serves as a springboard for economic growth. GE has worked closely with the people of Iraq for more than 55 years to support the development of the energy sector. We have added up to 19 GW of capacity in the country in little more than a decade, were among the first to rehabilitate power generation facilities in liberated areas across Iraq, and have supported the Government of Iraq to secure over $2.4 billion for funding for energy sector projects since 2015.”

GE has developed an Energy Transition Plan, which includes the following strategies: Converting simple cycle power plants to combined cycle; utilising gas that is currently flared to produce electricity; implementing carbon capture solutions; and using hydrogen to fuel power plants.