Port mogul Enrique Razon’s Prime Power Middle East (PPME) recently started the operation of its power plant in Umm Qasr, Basra Governate, Iraq.
PPME is a wholly- owned unit Razon’s Prime Metro Power Holdings Corp.
PPME said the power plant is designed to deliver base load of 24/7 power to the Umm Qasr Ports Authority Zone where Razon’s Basra Gateway Terminal operation is located.
“The gas-fired power plant is equipped with three latest version Wartsila W20V34SG engines with fast start capability able to provide power to the GCPI General Company of Ports or Iraq grid within 30 seconds. It is fully automated with the latest control system allowing stable electricity generation to the Umm Qasr Port grid,” PPME said.
Prime Power started discussions with the Iraqi government in 2016 in light of the growing power shortages.
In May 2018, Prime Power signed a 23-year power purchase agreement with GCPI.
“Benefiting from natural gas supply from a specially built 15km natural gas pipeline, the Umm Qasr Port power plant is the first phase of a multi-phase development program that starts with its current Phase 1 operational capacity of 29.3MW reaching total generation capacity 68.4MW in Phase 2, with room to increase capacity up to 150MW in the coming years. The power plant operation will be integrated with a distribution system to support the port industrial zone and surrounding cities,” the company said.
“We are delighted to start our greenfield power plant in Umm Qasr Port. It is a testament to the potential of Iraq. Under a joint operation framework with GCPI we were able to leverage the Basra Governorate’s natural gas resources to develop a first class state of the art facility that adds vital power generation infrastructure and services to state of Iraq. We see this plant as the first phase of many as we continue to be long term investors in Iraq and to contribute to its economic and social development,” said Razon, Prime Power chairman.
PPME noted that in spite of the unstable geopolitical and social situation in Iraq, “the plant was built within record time and ahead of schedule.”
“We are pleased to have delivered such critical infrastructure and services to GCPI and the Port of Umm Qasr. The completion of Phase 1, in less than one year, is a significant milestone in Prime Power’s strategy to build up an infrastructure portfolio that delivers fast and critical investments to regions in need. We will continue to rest on our strong presence on the ground as we work hand in hand with the government and the communities we serve.” said Guillaume Lucci, Prime Power president.
PPME said it is looking forward to launching the Phase 2 in the last quarter of 2020.
“Prime Metro Power will continue to aim for an even greater contribution to the Iraq power market, and continue the boundless use of economical and sustainable power generation facilities,” it said.