MGH, GE Vernova advance Bismaya Power Plant Modernisation

By John Lee.

Mass Group Holding (MGH) and GE Vernova have announced significant progress in the modernization of Iraq's largest power facility, the 4.5 GW Bismaya [Besmaya] Power Plant in Baghdad.

Phase 1:

• Phase 1 involved Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrades on four GE Vernova 9F.04 gas turbines at the Besmaya Power Plant.
• The upgrades deliver industry-leading performance and enhance operational flexibility.
• The upgrades improved efficiency and availability of the turbines.
• Output increased by up to 6% following the upgrades.
• Fuel consumption efficiency was improved, contributing to the plant's sustainability.
• The upgrades extended the lifespan of the assets at the power plant.
• The AGP upgrades in Phase 1 were GE Vernova's first-ever "Live Outage" in Iraq, a digital approach that improves execution in the field.
• The work was completed ahead of schedule.

Phase 2:

• Phase 2 AGP upgrades were initiated on an additional four GE Vernova 9F.04 gas turbines at the Besmaya Power Plant.
• The completion of Phase 2 is expected by the first quarter of 2025.
• Once completed, the eight upgraded turbines (from Phase 1 and Phase 2) are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 477,000 metric tons annually for the same level of power production.

Phase 3:

• An eight-year services agreement was announced to support Phase 3 of the Besmaya Power Plant.
• Phase 3 is equipped with four GE Vernova 9F gas turbines.
• The Phase 3 service agreement was contracted in the second quarter of 2024.
• This agreement builds on previous operations and maintenance (O&M) and long-term service agreements for Phase 1 and Phase 2.

According to the statement from GE Vernova, this collaboration extends GE Vernova's nearly 20-year partnership with MGH, contributing to 9 GW of power across Iraq, including plants in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk. The project aligns with Iraq's strategic energy goals and GE Vernova's broader commitment to advancing Iraq's power infrastructure and economic development.

(Source: GE Vernova)