Restore Iraqi Electricity (RIE) EPC & Commissioning

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) contracted Fluor to help restore working power supply grids throughout central Iraq, as part of a project called Restore Iraqi Electricity [RIE].

Fluor was tasked to perform engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning services in an 11-part operation to increase power generation capacity and thus help restore public order to a war-torn nation.

The Restore Iraqi Electricity project received Fluor's Hugh Coble Project Excellence Award in 2004. The award is given based on outstanding performance in several areas, including safety, value creation, and Client and community relations.

Client's Challenge

Fluor was required to locate and secure turbine generators and transformers in just 90 days, an effort that typically takes up to two years. When completed, the total project, which ran from April 2003 to December 2004, would restore lost power generation to key parts of the country, including Baghdad and Najaf. It would also increase power capacity in central Iraq by 500 megawatts.

Fluor needed to work not only across a large and difficult area, but do so with two key concerns. One was security, dealing with the constant threat of insurgent attack and deadly sabotage. The other was speed: The USACE wanted the new power-generation infrastructure operational in a greatly condensed period from what is normal in such projects.

Fluor's Solution

Fluor provided full services in completing the USACE assignment. This included engineering, procurement, construction management, construction, and commissioning services. A change-management program was managed by Fluor in consultation with the USACE and the Iraqi government to handle the many changes and challenges that would arise in the course of the project.

Power generation work was performed simultaneously at three power stations, Qudas Power Station, Hillah Power Station, and Najaf Power Station. Existing power units and distribution control centers were rehabilitated, new power units were installed, high-voltage transmission towers and lines were repaired, and supervisory control and data acquisition [SCADA] systems were installed.

Fluor deployed more than 140 personnel, direct-hired 200 Iraqi nationals, and subcontracted an in-country workforce of over 2,800. Twenty security teams were brought in to monitor and safeguard lives and property connected to the project. Community outreach work was also conducted by Fluor in connection with the project, including educational support work, water-quality improvement, and road enhancement.

Conclusion

Fluor met the tight deadline for procuring and installing the turbine generators and transformers. By the end of 2004, Fluor was responsible for the repair and instillation of more than 200 transmission towers and 680 kilometers of 400-kilovolt transmission cable. Over 3,500 damaged turbine blades were replaced.

Fluor met its schedule milestones and maintained costs under the funding limit. More than 7.5 million work hours were completed by Fluor in connection with Restore Iraqi Electricity, with just one lost-time accident. For its successful delivery of the project, Fluor received a commendation from the USACE, a Safety Excellence Award for 2004, and Fluor's highest honor for projects, the Hugh Coble Project Excellence Award.