The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and GE Vernova convened a workshop titled "Pathways to Meeting Iraq’s Energy Demand" in Baghdad to discuss initiatives for expanding the country's electricity supply.

Key topics included Iraq's current electricity landscape, modern technologies for energy efficiency, grid modernisation, and the importance of collaboration.

Technologies discussed involved GE Vernova’s H-Class gas turbine, upgrades to existing plants, and projects to utilise flared gas, addressing both economic and environmental concerns.

Grid modernisation efforts included Synchronous Condenser Systems (SynCon) and High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technologies, alongside decarbonisation strategies.

The workshop also highlighted the development of a Monitoring and Diagnostics Centre to support local engineer training.

In April, GE Vernova and the MoE signed a Memorandum of Understanding to accelerate the development of 24,000 GW of power capacity.

Recent achievements include the commissioning of a new gas turbine at the Besmaya Power Plant and the successful energisation of several 132 kV substations.

Over the last 15 years, collaborative efforts have added over 19,000 MW to the national grid, aiming for improved reliability, efficiency, and reduced emissions in Iraq's energy sector.

Ziyad Fadhil, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, said: “This workshop reflects the government's clear direction towards building a modern, reliable, and sustainable electricity sector, based on long-term planning, cooperation with global companies, and the adoption of the best technologies and operational practices. The current year has witnessed unprecedented stability in production rates thanks to the long-term scheduled maintenance contracts with GE Vernova and other global companies, where 46 turbines have been modernised, contributing to the addition of approximately 1,000 MW and increasing the reliability of the system.”

Rasheed Janabi, President of GE Vernova in Iraq, said: “Today’s discussions were practical and forward‑looking. Together with the Ministry of Electricity, we are focusing on improving the efficiency of existing plants, adding reliable capacity where it’s needed, and strengthening and automating the grid to reduce losses and improve stability. We also looked at ways to cut emissions, including using gas that is currently flared and applying network automation solutions. We will continue working side by side with the Ministry to build local capabilities through projects such as the joint Monitoring and Diagnostics Centre.”-OGN/TradeArabia News Service