GE signed a Principles of Cooperation (POC) with the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity to develop the country's power sector, and add up to 14 gigawatts (GW) of power, the company announced Sunday.
The plan is expected to create up to 65,000 direct and indirect jobs, support the government to realize savings and recoverable losses of up to $3 billion per year, establish a local technology center and support water and healthcare access, according to a statement from GE.
"As an immediate priority, GE will deploy proven fast power technologies and undertake upgrades at existing power plant sites to bring approximately 1.5 GW of additional power online by 2019 – the equivalent electricity needed to supply up to 1.5 million Iraqi homes," the statement read.
The company will also undertake maintenance, repairs, upgrades and rehabilitation services to help reduce the operating costs of existing power plants and secure the availability of another 7 GW that are currently operating.
"In addition, the agreement includes upgrades and services for existing power plants; the conversion of simple cycle power plants to combined cycle, which can help bring new power online without consuming additional fuel or releasing further emissions; as well as the establishment of new power plants with efficient, reliable power generation technology," the statement added.
Furthermore, GE will develop substations and overhead lines across the country, and a centralized energy management system covering generation, transmission and distribution. "These initiatives will add up to 14 GW of power and strengthen grid connectivity," it said.
To further improve the transmission and distribution of power, GE will undertake comprehensive decongestion network studies, as well as advisory services to reduce collection recoverable losses. In addition, GE is offering its "unique solution" for integrating the capture of flared gas and power generation using GE's advanced Gas to Power technologies.
In July, Baker Hughes, a GE company signed a contract with the Iraqi Ministry of Oil for a modular natural gas plant solution for flared gas recovery in the Nasiriyah and Al Gharraf oilfields.
As part of the POC proposals, the company also expects to establish a local Technology Center comprising a Repairs Center, a Monitoring & Diagnostics Center and a Training Center. GE also intends to supply three trailer-mounted mobile water treatment units to help deliver drinking water to contribute to the everyday needs of the people of Basra.
The company also plans to provide neonatal intensive care equipment and advanced medical care training for nursing staff at a neonatal intensive care center to meet the need for specialized healthcare services.
(Anadolu Agency)
