From the towering Central Bank Tower rising in Baghdad to the bustling new port in Basra and cross-border highways poised to connect continents, construction cranes now symbolize Iraq’s resurgence. Following years of turmoil, the nation is rebuilding its economic foundations with renewed determination.

Massive infrastructure investments have triggered soaring electricity demand. Despite tripling power generation since 2000, supply still lags behind consumption. To bridge this gap, Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity (MoE) and international partners are deploying thousands of megawatts annually while implementing efficiency measures to strengthen the national grid.

“Our mission is to ensure every Iraqi household receives the power it requires,” states Darius Zanjani, GE Vernova’s head of engineering, procurement, and construction partnerships. The company has partnered with the MoE on critical energy projects.

With a presence spanning over six decades in Iraq, GE Vernova was among the first companies to step up and assist in rehabilitating the power sector, modernizing power generation and grid infrastructure, even during the most challenging times. Top: GE Vernova’s Gas Power Services team works to enhance unit reliability and availability at a power plant in Iraq. Images credit: GE Vernova

Power to the People

In 2017, Zanjani journeyed to northern Iraq to evaluate a power plant operating below capacity. The MoE enlisted GE Vernova’s expertise to restore full functionality, aiming to stabilize electricity access for surrounding communities.

Returning to their hotel after a grueling day at the site, Zanjani and his team stopped at an ice cream shop to grab a quick bite. During the meal, a conversation with the shopkeeper revealed their work on the power plant.

“Ah, God will bless you for this,” the owner said, offering the treats free of charge. The gesture underscored the tangible impact of their efforts, Zanjani recalls: “That moment made everything feel real.”

This project exemplifies GE Vernova’s decades-long commitment to Iraq’s energy sector. With over 200 employees—95% Iraqi—the company has partnered with the MoE since 1965 to modernize infrastructure and reduce outages, even amid conflict.

“Progress demands resilience,” Zanjani emphasizes. “Our Iraqi colleagues’ dedication has been our greatest strength.”

Darius Zanjani (right) and Daniel Altorfer, senior project manager for Complex Customer Engineering Solutions at GE Vernova.

Assessing the Challenge

For years, GE Vernova supplied replacement parts for turbines at the facility. When the MoE requested comprehensive upgrades, the company’s Zurich-based services team took charge. Zanjani, then a lead engineer, eagerly accepted the assignment.

Before repairs could begin, engineers needed a thorough site inspection. Years of instability had forced operators to use third-party components and local contractors to maintain operations. Zanjani’s team meticulously evaluated these improvised solutions under MoE supervision.

Examining the plant over several days, Zanjani marveled at the ingenuity of Iraqi technicians and operators. Many had worked tirelessly through crises, preserving power supply with limited resources. “Their perseverance was extraordinary,” he notes. “Today, their focus remains on rebuilding a more reliable system.”

Building a Resilient Energy Future

As head of GE Vernova’s new business partnering team, Zanjani continues collaborating with the MoE to plan future projects. The relationships forged during site assessments ensure swift implementation once approvals are secured.

Over the past decade, GE Vernova has added 19 gigawatts (GW) of capacity, constructed 30 substations, and completed phase one of regional grid interconnection. Since 2015, upgrades have secured 7 GW of existing capacity and secured $3 billion in energy sector funding.

Recent milestones include upgrading 46 gas turbines at 12 plants to add 500 MW ahead of summer demand. The newly operational 132-kilovolt Al Qaim Saada substation—250 miles west of Baghdad—strengthens Iraq’s historic electricity link with Jordan, enhancing import capacity during peak periods.

Amid global energy volatility and climate-driven risks, such projects are vital for securing stable power supplies. “Infrastructure resilience is non-negotiable,” Zanjani asserts.

Reflecting on his experiences, Zanjani emphasizes the human impact of their work: “My Iraqi colleagues see how reliable energy transforms lives. That’s what drives us—knowing we’re powering progress worldwide.”

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