Iraq has commissioned a 160MW power plant at Taji in Baghdad province. The UAE’s Uruk Engineering & Contracting acted as engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

The project comprises four Frame 6B turbines, each with a capacity of 40MW. The turbines were supplied by the US’ GE as part of a turbine megadeal signed with Iraq’s Electricity Ministry in 2009. The project was originally planned for commissioning in 2011, but was pushed back.

Two other projects that will use turbines from the GE megadeal will be built at Kerbala and Hilla. The projects will comprise two 125MW units, each with a total capacity of 250MW. They will enter service during 2012.

Canada’s SNC Lavalin and the local IFC are building the Kerbala and Hilla projects. The Electricity Ministry awarded the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractfor the two gas-fired power plants to the firms in mid-March 2010.

The project will help the Electricity Ministry to meet the country’s urgent energy needs.