Jordan-based developer Mass Global Investment has selected the UK’s Mott MacDonald for the conversion of the Arbeel power plant in the Kurdistan region from simple-cycle to Iraq’s first combined-cycle gas-fired power plant.

Mott MacDonald is working on the conceptual engineering and the design criteria, as well as producing  tender documents for engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts, according to a 30 June press statement.

The value of the contract was not announced.

Once a contractor is selected, the company will provide project management, design reviews, site construction services and will oversee the plant’s commissioning in the second half of 2014.

Eight heat recovery system generators, two steam turbine generators and auxiliary systems will be installed at the plant. Currently, the Arbeel plant consists of eight 9E gas turbines, manufactured by the US’ GE operating in simple cycle.

The conversion will add 500MW to the plant’s existing output of 1,000MW, feeding into the national grid supplying the Kurdistan region, as well as southern areas of the country.