Accomplishments: Electricity

Weekly Update #8 تقرير رقم 7 USAID Funds Renovation of Iraq's Electrical System: Baghdad South Power Plant Iraq Accomplishments: Electricity Restoring electricity to homes, public facilities and businesses is critical to the reestablishment of all facets of Iraqi society and is required for sustainable economic growth. Decades of operation without regular maintenance and repairs along with fuel shortages and vandalized transmission lines have severely delayed dependable power delivery in Iraq. Since the conflict, available electrical capacity has more than tripled, exceeding the pre-conflict generating level of 4,400 MW. Meeting a target of 6,000 MW is the next major benchmark for summer 2004, allowing for a stable supply of power that is required for economic growth as well as household consumption. Iraqi engineers monitor controls at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system. (Photo: Thomas Hartwell) Power capacity in Iraq on October 6 peaked at 4,518 MW, surpassing the pre-war level of 4,400 MW. This achievement required engineers to make unexpected repairs on a system that is significantly more decrepit than originally expected. The power team forecasts that, on December 1, plants will generate 96,000 MW hours, while demand is expected to reach 105,000 MW hours. Currently roughly 74,000 MW hours is being generated. Necessary long-term repairs and scheduled maintenance are being made at generating plants throughout the country to build a sustainable power grid. Although in the short-term this maintenance decreases overall generation, it is a necessity for long-term power stability. Electricity crews are repairing thermal and gas turbine units. These units are an essential piece for stable power generation as they increase efficiency, prevent failures, and increase outputs. Ministry of Electricity and USAID partners crews have: Helped the Corps of Engineers bring engineers back to work on the boilers at the Doura Power Plant in Baghdad. Provided technical personnel at key power stations to assist the Iraqi Commission of Electricity. Installed a new turbine bearing at unit 3 of the Bayji Plant. Transcript: Electricity Sectoral Conference - 09/04/03 Upgrading Electricity in Iraq - 08/15/03 Transcript: Electricity and Water Sectoral Consultation - 06/10/03 USAID Awards Iraq Infrastructure Contract - 04/17/03