#Shanghai Electric #Iraq #Najaf #Iraq Electricity #Energy Expansion

Shanghai Electric Strengthens Iraq's Energy Future

In a groundbreaking development for Iraq, Shanghai Electric has officially initiated the Euphrates Combined Cycle Expansion Project, aiming to enhance the country's electrical infrastructure significantly. Scheduled to increase power generation capacity by 625 megawatts (MW), this project epitomizes a step towards resolving Iraq's longstanding electricity shortages, which have plagued the nation for over three decades.

The project, contracted with four Iraqi governorates—Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah—focuses on transforming existing simple-cycle power plants into advanced combined-cycle systems. With this conversion, the overall efficiency of the electricity generation process is expected to soar by approximately 50%. This increase translates into an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity production annually, achieved without a rise in fuel consumption. Such advancements promise substantial relief for Iraqi households and businesses suffering from recurrent power outages.

A spokesperson from Shanghai Electric highlighted the urgency of energy security in Iraq, stating, "It is an honor that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognized as a key asset in modernizing this critical energy infrastructure. This initiative serves as a testament to our commitment to bolster energy security and ecological development in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) regions through technological innovations."

Despite being a significant oil producer in the Middle East, Iraq has grappled with severe energy deficits, primarily relying on natural gas imports due to underdeveloped domestic gas resources. This ongoing energy crisis not only threatens the livelihoods of the Iraqi populace but also stalls national recovery and economic growth efforts.

The Euphrates expansion project began earlier this year, and foundational equipment is already in place, with construction progressing smoothly due to the collaborative efforts of Chinese and Iraqi teams. The initiative has attracted considerable attention from both the Iraqi government and citizens. Ziad Ali Fadel, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, emphasized the strategic importance of this project, asserting that it will significantly enhance energy supply reliability in Iraq and optimize the country's electrical infrastructure.

Modernization efforts at the Najaf power plant involve using high-temperature exhaust gases from existing gas turbines as a heat source. These gases will pass through heat-recovery steam generators, producing high-pressure steam that drives a new steam turbine, thus generating additional electricity. This combined-cycle process enhances output and efficiency while minimizing thermal pollution from original units.

Naseem Ayad, an Iraqi project manager at Najaf, noted, "Chinese equipment and energy technologies are facilitating the reclamation of high-temperature exhaust gases, thereby increasing production capacity while reducing thermal pollution. This project sets a benchmark for the modernization of power plants in Iraq and heightens local hope for a more reliable electricity supply and improved living conditions."

At the Karbala plant, essential equipment such as heat recovery steam generators and air-cooled condensers have been supplied. This phase represents one of the first combined-cycle expansions in Iraq, fully utilizing Chinese equipment and standards, with core systems designed and manufactured in China. The project is expected to effectively promote the deployment of Chinese equipment in foreign markets and enhance the recognition of Chinese standards in Iraq.

Upon its completion, the project will not only improve local livelihoods but also support post-war reconstruction and lay a solid energy foundation for Iraq's industrial resurgence and economic growth.

Shanghai Electric remains committed to advancing sustainable development across Belt and Road regions and globally through advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly energy technologies. For more details, you can visit Shanghai Electric's official website.