Sinomach subsidiary China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) is expanding a power plant in Basra, Iraq. The project involves the construction of a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 650 megawatts. The function performance and running conditions of newly completed Unit 3 of the plant have been tested.

The contract includes the construction of a gas storage facility, combustion chambers, a powerhouse, substations, a cooling tower and other related facilities, the installation of gas turbines and generators, and the laying of transmission lines.

The Basra Combined Cycle Power Plant in Iraq [Photo/CMEC]

The plant is designed to include five Siemens SST-900 turbines with a power generation capacity of 130 megawatts each. The smooth handover of Unit 3 has already met the summer peak electricity demand in Basra, marking another important step towards the completion of the Basra project, which is drawing nearer.

Another CMEC-undertaken energy project, the Karot hydropower station, has started commercial operation after six years' construction in Pakistan.

The station is a major pilot project of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the first large-scale hydropower investment and construction project under the Belt and Road Initiative. It is also the first hydropower investment project in Pakistan built entirely with Chinese technology and standards.

The Karot hydropower station will install four 180-megawatt power units, with a total installed capacity of 720 megawatts. Upon completion, it will be the fifth-largest hydropower station in Pakistan with an average annual generating capacity of 3.21 billion kilowatt-hours, enough to meet the needs of five million people and alleviate power shortages in Pakistan.