![GE's projects in Iraq [source: GE]](http://gastopower.co.uk/media/k2/items/cache/56fdb842f2458bf675da9c35c277e43a_S.jpg)
General Electric has secured more than $1.4 billion in orders from Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity to set up power plants totalling over 2 GW as well as provide technology upgrades and maintenance services.
In detail, GE is to set up the Samawa and Dhi Qar Power Plants, which will have a combined capacity of 1.5 GW. In the first phase of the project, GE will install four 9E gas turbines in simple cycle at each site by 2018. The second phase will entail the combined cycle conversion of the 9E units, GE said.
GE is also supplying advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) and steam turbine technology as well as serving as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the projects.
Moreover, GE is to add a further 580 MW to the Iraq's national grid through upgrade and rehabilitation works at four power plants, as part of the Phase II of the Power Up Plan established by the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) for critical electricity generation and maintenance projects throughout the country.
Under the same scheme, GE will also provide maintenance to gas turbines across six different power plants in Iraq accounting for some 1.75 GW of existing power generation.
“The announcement further strengthens GE’s collaborations in Iraq to support the country’s power infrastructure and meet the growing need for electricity” GE said.
It “builds on GE’s successful delivery of more than 700 megawatts (MW) of additional power through existing power generation infrastructure to the national grid last year as part of the Power Up Plan’s Phase I” it said.
GE has also been working with regional and international institutions to facilitate financing to help the Government of Iraq execute these and other projects, the company explained, adding that since 2016, it has helped the country secure $2 billion in financing for projects in the energy sector.
“We are focused on delivering reliable, uninterrupted and efficient electricity supply for both residential and commercial use” said Musaab al-Mudarris, official spokesman, Iraqi Ministry of Electricity. “With demand for electricity increasing every year, a transformational approach is required that is led by new projects and technology upgrades” he added.