GE Power’s Grid Solutions business has inaugurated the Baghdad West North Substation as part of its support for the development of Iraq’s power infrastructure. The substation is located about 35 km from Baghdad, and can help connect 1000 MW to the national grid, decreasing bottlenecks and increasing the hours of available power.
GE’s scope of work for the turnkey 400/132/11 kV gas insulated substation project included the design, equipment manufacturing, site delivery, erection, testing & commissioning, and training of personnel. The project’s construction, erection, commissioning, and testing was completed by GE Iraqi engineers in collaboration with local Iraqi subcontractors. The facility can feed 132 kV substations at Kadhmiya, Al Shualia, and Al Sabbeaat, as well as another five substations that are planned to be developed. It will also help to connect power from the Basmaya Power Plant, Taji Gas Power Plant, and mobile gas power plants to the national grid.
Mohammed Mohaisen, President and CEO of GE Power’s Grid Solutions business in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, said: “The energisation of the substation reflects our commitment to support Iraq in building a robust electricity infrastructure. Our turnkey approach to project development helps bring best-in-class technology and expertise across every touch-point of the project. As a partner in the country’s progress, we will continue to support the Iraqi Government to build a stable electricity network that meet’s the nation’s needs.”
Following the agreement for the Baghdad West North substation, GE also signed a $400 million agreement to develop and rehabilitate 14 additional substations, and to supply critical equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, and other related equipment. The substations will connect power plants spread across the governorates of Ninawa, Salah Al Din, Al Anbar, Karbala, Baghdad, Qadisiyyah, and Basra to the national grid. Several of the locations are in conflict-affected areas, and have an immediate need of reliable power infrastructure.