Baghdad: Minister of Electricity Ziyad Ali Fadhil has confirmed a groundbreaking agreement with GE Vernova to construct power plants capable of producing 24,000 megawatts, with approximately 8,000 megawatts derived from combined-cycle technology requiring no fuel.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Electricity announced a historic strategic agreement to enhance Iraq’s electricity sector with GE Vernova, a global leader in electric power. The agreement aims to add 24,000 megawatts to Iraq’s national grid through the construction of highly efficient power plants. Notably, 7,700 megawatts will be generated using combined-cycle technology, eliminating the need for additional fuel.

The Ministry’s statement highlighted GE Vernova’s global stature in power generation and transmission, operating in over 100 countries with a workforce exceeding 75,000. The company contributes to around 25% of global electricity generation.

Minister Fadhil emphasized that the current government, under Al-Sudani, has crafted an integrated strategy to diversify energy sources and modernize Iraq’s grid infrastructure. He described the agreement as a pivotal step to end the chronic electricity crisis affecting Iraq for decades.

Fadhil underlined that the agreement strengthens Iraq-U.S. economic and technical ties and is being implemented swiftly with a focus on quality and efficiency. He also highlighted past successes with GE Vernova in stabilizing Iraq’s energy system, aiming for a qualitative leap in the electricity sector.

Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, remarked on the company’s significant contribution to Iraq’s electricity infrastructure, adding 19,000 megawatts to the grid since 2011. Anis expressed the company’s commitment to collaborating with the Iraqi government and Ministry of Electricity to deliver reliable, efficient, and cost-effective energy while reducing carbon intensity through enhanced energy efficiency and grid modernization.

He further explained that this Memorandum of Understanding continues GE Vernova’s strategic initiatives to meet Iraq’s energy needs and support the country’s sustainable economic development.