Siemens has signed contracts with the Iraq Ministry of Electricity to upgrade four power plants to provide safe and reliable electricity in the country.

Under the contracts, Siemens will be responsible for providing critical service and maintenance as well as upgrade services for seven power generating units at four power plants.

The four undisclosed power plants are located in the areas of South Basra, Salah El Deen, Middle Region and Middle Euphrates.

Iraq, which currently has approximately 15,700MW power generation capacity, intends to improve the availability and reliability of power supply, while reducing power losses.

Additionally, Siemens will provide the outage and upgrade services to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the seven units.

The work is expected to increase combined power generation capacity of the power plants by 400MW to more than 1,000MW, and save fuel consumption up to 10%.

Siemens Power Generation Services CEO Tim Holt said: "Iraq is taking significant steps to help improve its electricity infrastructure and we are pleased to be working alongside the Ministry of Electricity on modernizing these four critically important power plants.

“Through a number of technology and operational enhancements, these power plants will benefit from improved efficiency, output and performance, thereby providing reliable power to meet the needs of Iraq and its citizens."

The firm said that the service project will not only support the country’s industrial development plans but also helps meet power demand.

Siemens will also be responsible for the spare parts supply as well as manpower training to enhance energy efficiency.