The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and GE Energy announced today at a ceremony in Baghdad that they have signed an agreement for power generation equipment and services valued at nearly $3 billion to provide much-needed electricity to support Iraq’s future economic development. The announcement is a significant milestone as the country seeks to rapidly develop its energy infrastructure and increase its electricity production.
Under the agreement, GE Energy is providing heavy-duty frame 9E multi-fuel gas turbines capable of supplying 7,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The Government of Iraq plans to install the units at key sites around the country to provide needed support for the electricity grid. GE’s 9E gas turbine technology has proven reliability and performance in more than 400 applications worldwide.
“We are honored that the Government of Iraq has chosen GE to support its efforts to expand the country’s energy infrastructure,” said John Krenicki, GE vice chairman and president and CEO of GE Energy. “Electricity is the backbone for quality of life and economic growth. We can bring the strength and dependability of GE’s advanced power generating technology and services to Iraq’s mission to address long-term electricity demand.”
As the world’s leading supplier of gas turbines, GE Energy is well positioned to help Iraq meet its future needs for reliable and stable power generation. More than 6,000 GE gas turbines are installed worldwide and have accumulated more than 200 million hours of operating experience at unparalleled reliability levels.
Currently, Iraq’s daily power generation output averages less than 6,000 MW, while the demand is typically more than 10,000 MW. The GE turbines can provide a platform for power stability thus helping address electricity shortages and position Iraq for future economic growth.
The agreement follows the Government of Iraq’s previous order with GE in May 2008 for eight gas turbines capable of generating 600 MW to meet short-term power requirements in Iraq.
As part of the agreement, GE Energy will also provide technical advisory services, performance testing and spare parts to support the reliable operation of the turbines. In addition, GE will provide technical and management training in order to help Iraq strengthen its power sector workforce for the future.
