GE Vernova and Iraq sign strategic energy agreements to boost power infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move to strengthen Iraq’s power generation capabilities, GE Vernova unveiled a series of strategic agreements with the Republic of Iraq on Thursday.

These initiatives were announced on the sidelines of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa’ Al-Sudani’s visit to Washington, D.C. during which he met with U.S. President Joseph Biden.

GE Vernova and Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity signed a letter of intent to add three gigawatts (GW) of energy to the Iraqi power grid using advanced combined cycle power plants. This effort includes upgrading the Samawah and Nasiriyah sites from simple to combined cycle operations and expanding the Al Mansouria gas power plant’s capacity.

Furthermore, the electricity ministry and GE Vernova have committed to a five-year service and upgrade agreement to enhance the efficiency of over 70 turbines and generators across 18 power plants, boosting their total capacity to 7.5 GW.

An additional memorandum of understanding was signed with Iraq’s Ministry of Oil, targeting the accelerated use of flared gas for power generation in select oil fields. The agreement aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of gas flaring, a significant issue in Iraq.

The agreements were signed on April 17 in Washington, D.C., by key Iraqi and GE Vernova officials, including Hayan Abdul Ghani Al-Swad, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil; Dr. Muhammad Ali Tamim, Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning; and Roger Martella, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Government Affairs at GE Vernova. The signing event was attended by Ambassador to Iraq Alina L. Romanowski, and Steve Lutes, Vice President of Middle East Affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Iraqi Minister of Electricity Zeyad Ali Fadhil highlighted the importance of the initiatives saying, “These initiatives mark a milestone in our continued efforts to strengthen national power infrastructure. As electricity demand grows, we are working with GE Vernova to meet the power needs of residents and industrial users effectively.”

GE Vernova also announced plans to establish a Monitoring and Diagnostics Center equipped with advanced electrification software to oversee core power assets at 18 sites. The center, operated by the Iraqi electricity ministry’s team, aims to enhance operational efficiencies and facilitate local engineer training.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, called the agreements “pivotal” for the organization’s commitment to support Iraq’s energy sector. “Our 10-point strategy introduced in 2021, which includes these measures, is designed to ensure more affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for Iraq,” he said.

GE Vernova’s longstanding involvement in Iraq’s energy sector includes the addition of up to 19 GW of capacity over the past decade, the completion of 30 substations, and over $3 billion in funding for various energy projects. The company’s workforce in Iraq comprises over 200 employees, with more than 95% being local Iraqis.