Wedoany.com Report-Dec.23, Shanghai Electric has begun construction on the Euphrates combined-cycle power plant extension project in Iraq, adding 625 MW of capacity and increasing overall plant efficiency by approximately 50 percent.

The expansion project covers the governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah in Iraq.

As the primary contractor, Shanghai Electric is upgrading power facilities in four Iraqi governorates—Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah—by converting existing simple-cycle units to combined-cycle operations.

An earlier phase of the expansion, led by Shanghai Electric, was initiated this year across these same regions. The completed upgrades are projected to generate an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually without requiring extra fuel consumption.

This effort aims to help alleviate long-standing electricity shortages in Iraq, supporting improved supply reliability.

A spokesperson for Shanghai Electric said: "The pressing need for energy security and development in Iraq is clear. We are honoured that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognised as instrumental in modernising this critical infrastructure. This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the energy security and green development of Belt and Road countries through technological innovation."

Iraq has experienced persistent power deficits for over three decades, despite operating most of its plants on natural gas. Limited domestic gas production has resulted in considerable dependence on imports, affecting daily life and economic progress.

Core equipment has reached the project sites, with construction advancing through collaboration between Chinese and Iraqi teams.

Iraqi Electricity Minister Ziad Ali Fadel said: "This initiative is highly significant for improving Iraq's power supply and optimizing its electricity infrastructure. Once operational, it will effectively reduce Iraq's reliance on imported natural gas and lower its fuel costs for power generation."

At the Najaf plant, the upgrade utilizes high-temperature exhaust from existing gas turbines as a heat source. This exhaust passes through heat recovery steam generators to create high-pressure steam, driving a new steam turbine for additional electricity production. The combined-cycle method enhances output and efficiency while reducing thermal emissions from the original units.

Similar progress is underway at the Karbala site, where major components such as heat recovery steam generators and direct air-cooled condensers have arrived. This represents one of Iraq’s initial combined-cycle conversions to fully incorporate Chinese equipment and technical standards, with key systems designed and manufactured in China.

These developments contribute to strengthening Iraq’s power generation capacity through efficient and environmentally considerate technologies.