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Landmark Project Across Four Governorates to Boost Power Plant Output by 50%, Easing Chronic Electricity Shortages
SHANGHAI, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric has broken ground on the Euphrates Combined Cycle Expansion Project in Iraq. As the project's contractor, Shanghai Electric is upgrading power plants across four Iraqi governorates by transforming simple-cycle units into combined-cycle systems. The expansion will add a total capacity of 625 megawatts (MW) and is designed to boost overall plant efficiency by approximately 50%, generating an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hprojours (kWh) of electricity annually without increasing fuel consumption. This initiative is poised to significantly alleviate the country's persistent electricity shortages.
"The pressing need for energy security and development in Iraq is clear. We are honored that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognized as instrumental in modernizing this critical infrastructure," said a spokesperson for Shanghai Electric. "This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the energy security and green development of Belt and Road countries through technological innovation."
Iraq, a major Middle Eastern oil producer, has faced severe power shortages for over three decades. Most of its power plants rely on natural gas, yet domestic gas development lags, creating a heavy dependence on imports. This power deficit has become a persistent challenge to people's livelihoods and a bottleneck for national reconstruction and economic growth.
The Shanghai Electric-contracted expansion project along the Euphrates River broke ground early this year and covers the Iraqi governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah, with all upgrades centered on advanced combined-cycle technology. Core equipment has now arrived on site, and construction is advancing through the collaboration of Chinese and Iraqi teams. Since its commencement, the project has drawn considerable attention from the Iraqi government and public.
Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel has praised the project's strategic importance, stating, "This initiative is highly significant for improving Iraq's power supply and optimizing its electricity infrastructure. Once operational, it will effectively reduce Iraq's reliance on imported natural gas and lower its fuel costs for power generation."
At the power plant in Najaf, the upgrade utilizes high-temperature exhaust from existing gas turbines as a heat source. The exhaust is directed through heat recovery steam generators to produce high-pressure steam, which then drives a new steam turbine to create additional electricity. This combined-cycle process increases output and efficiency without extra fuel and reduces the thermal pollution from the original units.
Naseem Ayad, the Iraqi project manager at the Najaf site, said, "Chinese equipment and power technology help us reuse high-temperature exhaust, boosting generation capacity while reducing thermal pollution. This project sets a benchmark for power plant upgrades in Iraq and reflects local hopes for more reliable electricity and better living conditions."
At the Karbala site, core equipment such as heat recovery steam generators and direct air-cooled condensers have been delivered. This project phase marks one of Iraq's first combined-cycle expansions to fully utilize Chinese equipment and standards, with core systems designed and manufactured in China. This will effectively drive the overseas deployment of Chinese equipment and enhance the recognition of Chinese standards in Iraq.
Upon completion, the project is expected to improve local livelihoods, support post-war reconstruction, and lay a robust energy foundation for Iraq's industrial recovery and economic growth.
Shanghai Electric remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development in Belt and Road regions and worldwide through advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly energy technologies.
For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.
Landmark Project Across Four Governorates to Boost Power Plant Output by 50%, Easing Chronic Electricity Shortages
SHANGHAI, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric has broken ground on the Euphrates Combined Cycle Expansion Project in Iraq. As the project's contractor, Shanghai Electric is upgrading power plants across four Iraqi governorates by transforming simple-cycle units into combined-cycle systems. The expansion will add a total capacity of 625 megawatts (MW) and is designed to boost overall plant efficiency by approximately 50%, generating an additional 5 billion kilowatt-hprojours (kWh) of electricity annually without increasing fuel consumption. This initiative is poised to significantly alleviate the country's persistent electricity shortages.
"The pressing need for energy security and development in Iraq is clear. We are honored that our efficient combined-cycle technology is recognized as instrumental in modernizing this critical infrastructure," said a spokesperson for Shanghai Electric. "This project exemplifies our commitment to supporting the energy security and green development of Belt and Road countries through technological innovation."
Iraq, a major Middle Eastern oil producer, has faced severe power shortages for over three decades. Most of its power plants rely on natural gas, yet domestic gas development lags, creating a heavy dependence on imports. This power deficit has become a persistent challenge to people's livelihoods and a bottleneck for national reconstruction and economic growth.
The Shanghai Electric-contracted expansion project along the Euphrates River broke ground early this year and covers the Iraqi governorates of Najaf, Karbala, Babylon, and Al-Qadisiyyah, with all upgrades centered on advanced combined-cycle technology. Core equipment has now arrived on site, and construction is advancing through the collaboration of Chinese and Iraqi teams. Since its commencement, the project has drawn considerable attention from the Iraqi government and public.
Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel has praised the project's strategic importance, stating, "This initiative is highly significant for improving Iraq's power supply and optimizing its electricity infrastructure. Once operational, it will effectively reduce Iraq's reliance on imported natural gas and lower its fuel costs for power generation."
At the power plant in Najaf, the upgrade utilizes high-temperature exhaust from existing gas turbines as a heat source. The exhaust is directed through heat recovery steam generators to produce high-pressure steam, which then drives a new steam turbine to create additional electricity. This combined-cycle process increases output and efficiency without extra fuel and reduces the thermal pollution from the original units.
Naseem Ayad, the Iraqi project manager at the Najaf site, said, "Chinese equipment and power technology help us reuse high-temperature exhaust, boosting generation capacity while reducing thermal pollution. This project sets a benchmark for power plant upgrades in Iraq and reflects local hopes for more reliable electricity and better living conditions."
At the Karbala site, core equipment such as heat recovery steam generators and direct air-cooled condensers have been delivered. This project phase marks one of Iraq's first combined-cycle expansions to fully utilize Chinese equipment and standards, with core systems designed and manufactured in China. This will effectively drive the overseas deployment of Chinese equipment and enhance the recognition of Chinese standards in Iraq.
Upon completion, the project is expected to improve local livelihoods, support post-war reconstruction, and lay a robust energy foundation for Iraq's industrial recovery and economic growth.
Shanghai Electric remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development in Belt and Road regions and worldwide through advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly energy technologies.
For more information, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Shanghai Electric Powers Up Iraq's Energy Future with Major 625MW Efficiency Upgrade
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One Universal Production Group (OUP), a leading intellectual property (IP) ecosystem and tourism company in Asia, today celebrated the official opening of its new corporate building, marking a significant milestone in its journey of creating world-class entertainment and edutainment experiences.
The opening reflects OUP's growing role in shaping IP-led entertainment, edutainment, and themed tourism across Asia and beyond. Over the past decade, the company has built a reputation for record-breaking productions and large-scale immersive experiences, earning recognition from the Guinness World Records, ASEAN Book of Records, and Malaysia Book of Records.
OUP is widely known for delivering some of the region's most successful thematic attractions and live shows, including Ultraman Live 2015, one of Asia's highest-attended live entertainment productions, the longest-running Pokémon Festival, the world's largest inflatable duck installation, and award-winning family experiences such as Discover Fun with CoComelon.
As a master licensee and strategic partner to leading global IP owners, OUP manages and develops a diverse portfolio of internationally recognised brands, including CoComelon, Ultraman, Bruce Lee, Blippi, Angry Birds, Crayola, and B.Duck. The company integrates these IPs into immersive attractions, live experiences, retail activations, and tourism developments tailored for Asian audiences.
During the event, OUP formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kayou Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., China's largest collectible card company. Under the partnership, Kayou will enter the Malaysian market alongside OUP, introducing new IP-driven collectible products and entertainment concepts aimed at Southeast Asian fans.
OUP also unveiled its upcoming international development roadmap, including the Hadi Excellence Collection – Thematic Safari Villas in the UAE, and the Hadi Premium Collection in Malaysia, featuring Malaysia's first sea-front crystal-clear lagoon villas.
Commenting on the milestone, Alvin Lee, CEO of One Universal Production & Group of Companies, said the new headquarters represents OUP's next chapter in delivering world-class, IP-led experiences globally.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
One Universal Production Group (OUP) Officially Opens, Reinforcing Its Position as Asia's Leading IP Ecosystem and Tourism Company
One Universal Production Group (OUP) Officially Opens, Reinforcing Its Position as Asia's Leading IP Ecosystem and Tourism Company
