GE Vernova and Mass Group Holding (MGH) have announced major progress in the modernisation of the Besmaya Power Plant, the largest in Iraq.
Located in Baghdad, the 4.5-gigawatt facility plays a key role in meeting Iraq’s growing electricity demand.
The upgrades are part of a broader initiative by Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity to enhance energy production and improve the efficiency of its power generation sector.
At an event in Dubai, GE Vernova and MGH revealed the successful completion of the Phase 1 Advanced Gas Path (AGP) upgrades on four GE 9F.04 gas turbines.
The upgrades are designed to increase the plant’s output by up to 6%, while also enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Phase 2 of the upgrades has now begun, targeting an additional four 9F.04 turbines, with completion expected by early 2025.
In addition to the ongoing upgrades, GE Vernova and MGH signed an eight-year service agreement for Phase 3 of the Besmaya plant. This agreement covers the maintenance and optimisation of four more GE 9F gas turbines, reinforcing the plant’s long-term sustainability and operational reliability.
GE Vernova’s AGP upgrades are expected to significantly lower the carbon footprint of the Besmaya facility. The modernization is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 477,000 metric tons per year while improving the plant’s overall performance. This is part of Iraq’s broader strategy to reduce its environmental impact and transition to cleaner energy solutions.
“This project is a key milestone in Iraq’s energy transition. The upgrades will not only enhance our electricity production but also improve fuel efficiency, aligning with our goal of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a more sustainable future,” said Ziad Ali Fadhil, Iraq’s Minister of Electricity.
The Besmaya Power Plant plays a critical role in supplying electricity to millions of Iraqis, as well as the country’s industrial and commercial sectors.
Ahmed Ismail Saleh, Chairman of Mass Group Holding, said that the modernisation is in line with the Ministry of Electricity’s strategic objectives to provide more reliable and sustainable power to the nation. “We are committed to enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of Iraq’s energy infrastructure, and this partnership with GE Vernova is vital in achieving those goals,” he said.
One of the standout achievements in the Phase 1 upgrades was the completion of Iraq’s first-ever “Live Outage,” a digital approach that improved the efficiency of on-site work.
Steve Kessinger, Vice President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power Global Services, said, “The service work was completed ahead of schedule, significantly enhancing the plant’s performance. We look forward to achieving even greater results as we continue to work with Mass Group Holding on this critical project.”
For nearly two decades, GE Vernova has worked closely with MGH on various energy projects across Iraq. The Besmaya plant, along with MGH’s other facilities in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, contributes approximately 9 gigawatts to Iraq’s power grid—about 20% of the country’s total generation capacity.
Joseph Anis, President and CEO of GE Vernova’s Gas Power division for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, commented on the company’s long-standing commitment to Iraq. “We’ve been working in Iraq for over 50 years, and we remain dedicated to supporting the country’s transition to low-carbon solutions. This includes modernising the power grid and enabling the digital transformation of energy generation and transmission,” Anis said.
GE Vernova’s involvement in Iraq extends far beyond Besmaya. Over the past several years, the company has added 19 gigawatts of capacity to Iraq’s power grid, built and energised 30 substations, and completed the first phase of Iraq’s electrical grid connection with Jordan. In addition, GE Vernova has mobilised over $3 billion in financing for energy projects and invested in local talent development and workforce training.
