$176 Million Power Plant Expansion Complete
BAGHDAD — The new U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher R. Hill, participated in his first ribbon cutting ceremony here at the Qudas Power Plant, May 7.
The U.S. government has been funding a $176 million expansion project at the existing power plant, which plays a key role in power generation for the Iraqi national power grid.
A site tour and ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, Dr. Karim W. Hasan, marked the completion of the successful, joint venture between the U.S. and Iraqi governments.
"This important addition to the ministry's inventory of generation sources will help to guarantee the sustainability of our most recent output gains,” said Hasan. “This Qudas expansion project points the way
The project was funded through the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund (IRRF), which was established by the U.S. Congress November 6, 2003, and allocated $18.4 billion to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure. The Qudas expansion project is the final power generation project constructed using IRRF funds.
The U.S. State Department’s Iraq Transition Assistance Office provided program management, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Gulf Region Division in Iraq provided contract and construction management of the project. The Ministry of Electricity undertook site work including new water and fuel connections, major tank and piping refurbishments and major electrical connections.
“I am extremely proud of the team that has worked here to expand the Qudas Power Plant’s power generation capabilities, and I applaud the efforts of all involved, particularly our partners at the Ministry of Electricity and the U.S. State Department,” said Maj. Gen. Michael R. Eyre, commander of the Gulf Region Division.
This large scale expansion project was Iraqi designed and constructed and will be Iraqi operated. The contract was awarded August 2006 to a joint venture between Uruk Engineering Services Company LLC and Baghdad Company for Gas Turbine, Ltd., both Iraqi-owned companies.
“Iraqis should be proud of their Ministry of Electricity and the Iraqi contractors and workers who have contributed to reaching this important milestone,” said Eyre. “I couldn’t be more pleased at the work we accomplished together, working side-by-side.”
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