Al-Sudani Inaugurated Two Combined-Cycle Power Units at Al-Amarah Gas Power Plant

INA-  BAGHDAD

Media Office of the Prime Minister said in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency INA that Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani inaugurated two combined-cycle power units at Al-Amarah gas power plant in Maysan Governorate.

The statement stated that prime Minister Al-Sudani  praised the Ministry of Electricity staff and the project executing company for successfully completing the project, adding 250 megawatts to the electricity network.

It added that during the inauguration of the two combined-cycle power units, the Prime Minister emphasized that these strategic projects will lower operational budget expenses, particularly in importing fuel gas. Having stalled since 2019, these projects' completion aligns with the government's goal to complete all delayed projects.

The statement also added that the government and Ministry of Electricity have recently prioritized implementing combined-cycle projects. The first phase, aimed at generating around 1140 megawatts of electrical energy, has been signed. The goal is to proceed to the second phase, targeting a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts, achieved without extra gas fuel.

In this concern, Prime Minister Al-Sudani highlighted the government's efforts to enhance the electricity system. He emphasized that issues and problems faced by the national power grid were beyond the ministry's control, primarily due to gas import challenges. The government resolved this by making unprecedented decisions, including settling dues through crude and black oil exchange with Iran, a neighboring country that supplies the required fuel gas for power stations.

He also highlighted the forthcoming permanent solutions, including harnessing associated gas that is currently wasted. This will be achieved through the TotalEnergies contract, the fifth licensing round, and anticipated soon-to-be-signed agreements. These projects will render Iraq self-reliant in energy, eliminating the need for imported gas within approximately three years upon completion. This transition will foster energy independence by relying on Iraqi gas resources.