Siemens, a global technology powerhouse, said it has secured a major contract from China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for upgradation of one of the largest gas-fired power plants in Iraq.

The move, which comes as part of Siemens' measures towards supporting the rebuilding of Iraq’s power infrastructure, will add another 650 megawatts (MW) to Shatt Al Basra Gas Power Plant, which currently has a power generation capacity of 1,250 MW.

As per the contract, Siemens will supply five of its highly-efficient steam turbines, ensuring the additional power supply comes at no extra fuel requirement. The plant already consists of non-Siemens turbines operating in simple-cycle mode.

With this upgrade, the facility will be converted to operating in combined cycle mode and its overall efficiency will increase to more than 50 per cent.

On completion, the plant, which is being developed by Iraq-based KAR Electrical Power Production Trading, will supply around one million citizens with reliable and clean electricity.

Earlier this year, Siemens was contracted to supply two of its robust SST-5000 steam turbines to a similar project in Rumaila in Iraq, making it the first large-scale open cycle conversion project in the country.

The upgrade works for both the Rumaila and the Shatt Al Basra power plants are scheduled for completion by 2020, said the company in a statement.

Jean-Claude Nasr, the senior executive vice-president (power generation) at Siemens in the Middle East, said:  A reliable and efficient power supply is the backbone of a prosperous economy and today’s announcement underscores an important step towards realizing Iraq’s aspirations towards building a robust power system and a sustainable economy for its people."

"Siemens envisions 40 million Iraqis living in vibrant cities, powered by reliable and efficient energy; a strong industrial sector and sustainable economic development, led by world-class, home-grown talent," he added.

The global technology giant had recently received an order to modernise the Rumaila gas-fired power plant in Iraq, adding 700 MW to the plant. The scope of supply includes two SST-5000 steam turbines.

Siemens said from energy supply and industry to financing and training, it has outlined its roadmap and commitment to supporting the development of Iraq in February at the Iraq reconstruction conference held in Kuwait.

The roadmap identified the country’s short, mid- and long-term development needs. It focused on key areas including energy management, resource efficiency, education, anti-corruption and financing, it stated.-TradeArabia News Service