Iraq announces firms bidding for its USD1b power plant 

(MENAFN) Iraqi government received the bids for its planned USD1 billion power plant, as the oil and gas-rich nation seeks to enhance its electricity capacity which was affected by years of war and sanctions, Reuters reported.

The companies that stepped forward for the 1,500 MW power plant in western Iraq, include South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Italy's Saipem, Greek power plant builder Metka, Turkey's Gama, and a consortium of Turkey's Calik Enerji and Italy's Techint, Salam Qazaz, deputy minister of electricity, said.

Qazaz explained that the plant will comprise four gas units and two thermal units, scheduled to be completed in 33 months.

The national grid supplies only a few hours of power a day to Iraqis, forcing many to rely heavily on private generators.

The ministry said this month it plans to double its electricity supply to 12,330 MW by April 2013 as it brings new sources of power online.

The ministry expected total power supply to rise to 9,000 MW in July and 9,600 MW in August from current 6,000 MW.

Last year, Iraq managed to supply less than half of demand, which peaked at 15,000 MW.