U.S. General Electric Signs Contract to Boost Electricity Production at Sulaymaniyah’s Bazian Station

Peregraf

U.S.-based General Electric (GE) has signed a significant contract with Taurus Energy to enhance electricity generation at the Bazian station in Sulaymaniyah. This collaboration is set to add 1,250 MW of electricity to the national grid by the first quarter of 2026, marking a major step forward in the region’s energy sector.

At the signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that General Electric's innovations in electricity generation would play a crucial role in strengthening Kurdistan's electricity infrastructure and advancing its private sector and economy. "This is a big step towards improving the electricity grid and achieving long-term economic stability for the Kurdistan Region," Talabani remarked. He also emphasized that the Kurdistan Region remains open to investment from the world's largest companies, offering numerous opportunities and facilitating their efforts.

Talabani further emphasized that GE’s cutting-edge technology will make Sulaymaniyah the first place in the world to implement this new system. "This is a big step towards strengthening the electricity infrastructure and developing the private sector and the Kurdistan economy," he said.

Talabani expressed confidence that the new project will generate one-third of the Kurdistan Region's electricity needs, helping to bring the region closer to a 24-hour electricity supply. He also foresees the future possibility of exporting surplus electricity to other parts of Iraq and beyond.

Kamal Muhammad, the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Minister of Electricity, also spoke at the event, celebrating the growth in electricity production in the region. Muhammad revealed that the Kurdistan Region's total electricity production has reached 8,189 megawatts, with 5,250 megawatts provided by GE Vernova, a subsidiary of General Electric, accounting for 64% of the region’s power output. "Thanks to partnerships like these, we have seen tremendous progress in modernizing our electricity infrastructure," Muhammad said.

The minister also acknowledged challenges, such as the ongoing fuel shortages that have hampered further growth in power production. However, he pointed to new developments, including an additional project at the Khor Mor Gas Field, which aims to increase gas production by 250 million standard cubic feet per day. This project, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2026, is expected to add over 1,200 megawatts to the national grid, further supporting both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region's energy needs.

U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner praised the partnership between Taurus Energy and GE Vernova, emphasizing the critical role electricity plays in economic growth and energy independence. "Electricity is the paramount ingredient for economic growth in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq," Bitner said, noting that GE turbines currently generate 90% of the electricity in Iraqi Kurdistan. "Today's milestone is another step in the strong commercial relationship between the United States and the Kurdistan Region."

Bitner also highlighted the broader economic ties between the U.S. and the Kurdistan Region, pointing to the increasing presence of U.S. businesses across Sulaimani and other areas. "This partnership not only supports sustainable energy but also helps to strengthen the economic relationship between our nations," he added.

The signing ceremony marks a crucial step in Kurdistan's journey towards energy independence and economic resilience, underscoring the region's strategic partnerships with global industry leaders and its growing importance in Iraq’s national energy landscape.