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USAID Funds Renovation of Iraq's Electrical System: Baghdad South Power Plant
Iraq
October 2003
Several US armored vehicles help guard the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair. Iraqi plant managers were forced to keep them online at any cost, often foregoing maintenance and safety procedures.
Several units of the Baghdad South power plant are offline for seasonal maintenance. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of some 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Much of the electrical system has been damaged by looting.
Bechtel environmental engineer Janene Van Deroef makes a site visit to the Baghdad South Power Plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of some 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Much of the electrical system has been damaged by looting.
Cracked insulation can be seen on equipment at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of some 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair. Much of the electrical system has been damaged by looting, and Iraqi plant managers were forced to keep plants online at any cost, often foregoing maintenance and safety procedures.
Becthel environmental engineer Janene Van Deroef and Captain Rodrick Pittman of the 40th Engineering Battalion make a site inspection at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of some 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair. Damage to a parts storage facility was caused when a welders spark set off an explosion.
Becthel environmental engineer Janene Van Deroef and Captain Rodrick Pittman of the 40th Engineering Battalion make a site inspection at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of some 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair.
General view of the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair. Iraqi plant managers were forced to keep plants online at any cost, often foregoing maintenance and safety procedures.
Iraqi engineers monitor controls at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair. Iraqi plant managers were forced to keep plants online at any cost, often foregoing maintenance and safety procedures.
A control monitor displays the output of one unit at the Baghdad South power plant. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations.
General view of the Baghdad South power plant with two units running. USAID is funding the repair of Iraq's nationwide electrical system, which consist of 29 major generating plants, transmission grids and local substations. Baghdad South, like many other power facilities, is in great disrepair, and units are now being shut down for repairs.

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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.

    Photo:
    Electrical distribution facility that is part of the Baghdad Electric Authority.
    Photo by Thomas Hartwell
  • Power generation 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.
  • Necessary long-term repairs and scheduled maintenance are being made at generating plants throughout the country to build a sustainable power grid.
    • As a result of the planned maintenance shutdowns, peak power production capacity has necessarily remained lower than the pre-war level of 4,400MW.
    • 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 repair activities are an essential component to achieve stable power generation as they increase efficiency, prevent failures, and increase outputs.
  • Ministry of Electricity and USAID partners crews are:
    • Rehabilitating boilers at Doura power plant in Baghdad.
    • Providing technical personnel at key power stations to assist the Iraqi Commission of Electricity.
    • Commissioning gas turbines at the Bayji Plant.

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Last Updated on: January 05, 2004