Calik to provide electricity to 3.5 mln Iraqis

In Mosul, northern Iraq, Turkey's Calik Energy this week laid the foundation of Ninova, the second electrical power plant it is to build in Iraq. Some 2,000 people will work in the construction of the two power plants, which will meet the energy need of 3.5 million Iraqis. Top businessman Ahmet Calik said that in addition to Ninova, Calik Enerji will build the 1,250-megawatt Al Khariat power plant. "With a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts, we will be playing a key role in meeting Iraq's electricity needs," Calik said. Ninova's first turbine will start operating next summer, according to Calik. "We feel at home here. Calik Enerji's experienced staff will finish this project in the shortest time possible," he added. The plant is set to be completed in 20 months and to create hundreds of new jobs. The facility, which may cost as much as $388 million, will be able to provide round-the-clock electricity for 250,000 households and some 1.5 million people.