The completion of new transmission projects and the rehabilitation of the turbine unit meant that for the first time since 1990 all six turbines were in full operation and the hydro power plant operated at full capacity, generating 660MW.
The completion of the US$12M project was announced by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The project, administered by CH2MHill, and overseen by USACE personnel began in February this year. The turbine operation had been hindered due to three cracked runner blades. Additional pumps, controls and motors also had to
be replaced.
Previous projects at Haditha have included the modification of operation of turbine no. 2 as well as restoration of transmission lines to link the hydro power dam to the Iraqi power grid. Haditha dam, constructed in the 1980s on the Euphrates river, impounds 8.2Bm3 of water. The rockfill dam has an asphalt-concrete diaphragm water barrier.
