GE Executes Operations and Maintenance Works at Besmaya Power Plant, Securing 3 GW for Peak Summer Demand : Powering Iraq During COVID-19

GE Gas Power successfully completed services on four 9F.03 gas turbines, two steam turbines and also 6 generators at Iraq's Besmaya Nuclear power plant safely and on schedule, while continuing to execute wider operations as well as upkeep (O&M) operates at the site despite the many difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These service activities reduced the risk of unplanned downtime of power generation equipment at the site, enabling the plant to reliably supply as much as 3 gigawatts (GW) of electricity to the nationwide grid to aid satisfy the peak summer demand for power.

Owned by Mass Group Holding (MGH), Besmaya is Iraq's largest nuclear power plant. Phases 1 and 2 of the project can produce as much as 3 GW, as well as Phase 3, which is currently under construction, is expected to add up to an additional 1.5 GW. The facility is the first one in the country outside the Kurdistan region to be developed by an independent power producer on a build-own-operate basis for the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity. GE has actually provided eight gas turbines, four steam turbines and 12 generators that are covered by a 20-year service arrangement and is additionally in charge of O&M solutions for Phases 1 as well as 2 of the project to make sure smooth operations at the website. Additionally, GE won a contract to provide four 9F.04 gas turbines and 4 generators for Phase 3. Much of the electricity generated at Besmaya is fed to the capital Baghdad and also bordering areas and also its undisturbed operations are crucial to power regional healthcare facilities, homes, businesses as well as more.

" At MGH, we are committed to strengthening Iraq's power sector even more," stated Ahmad Ismail, Chairman of MGH. "The logistical and also mobility constraints resulting from the COVID-19 episode resulted in a number of unexpected difficulties in accomplishing the required service works at Besmaya including delays in the arrivals of parts and challenges in access to technical experts. Nevertheless, the determination, flexibility and also efficiency GE displayed by having the ability to draw on local teams on the ground, remote support from experts and also access to a global supply chain, enabled us to keep the plant operational with high degrees of reliability and efficiency and to deliver on our commitments."

Beginning February 2020, over 110 GE and FieldCore (a GE-owned field services execution company) personnel liaised carefully with MGH to perform the services safely and as per schedule. The jobs conducted included the first phase of Hot Gas Path inspection services of the gas turbines, heavy steam turbine small inspections and generator MAGIC (Mini Air Space Inspection Crawler) inspections. Experts based in the center East and Europe liaised with the local site team through digital tools, video conferences and also call daily to remotely support mechanical as well as commissioning works, recognize and also transport stocks of components that required to be replaced as well as keep track of general task progress. To minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, added hygiene, health and wellness procedures were carried out at the website, consisting of even more regular disinfection and also cleaning activities, thermal screenings of everybody going into the site, distribution of additional mandatory personal protective equipment such as gloves and also masks, COVID-19 prevention training sessions, accommodation for staff on-site, along with other precautions.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Gas Power, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia said, "As we resolve these exceptional times, our resolve to support the Ministry of Electricity and also individuals of Iraq by providing the electricity needed to power everyday life, growth and progression stays unchanged. Our top priority continues to be the safety of our people, while remaining to provide results for our customers and also the communities we offer. I want to give thanks to the supportive staff at GE and also MGH that kept away from their loved ones for months, working long hours to secure reliable power materials during this unprecedented duration and also for the hot summer season ahead. With each other, we are honored to make a positive difference to the lives of numerous Iraqi citizens."

GE as well as FieldCore have up to 300 people throughout Iraq. The firm has actually supported the development of the country's power infrastructure for over 50 years as well as considering that 2011, aided to bring up to 15 GW of power online throughout Iraq, including approximately 1.4 GW in conflict impacted areas such as Diyala as well as Mosul. The company has additionally assisted bring over US$ 2.4 billion in financing for energy sector projects in Iraq in collaboration with export credit agencies, commercial financial institutions and also other organizations.