Turbines for Iraq Receive Advanced support and service in Prague
We first introduced RTP POWER SE in TechMagazin three years ago. Today, we meet with Ussama Ahmad Abed, Commercial Director for the Middle East and Arabic-speaking countries, at the company’s new headquarters in Prague to discuss recent developments and RTP future plans as a global supplier of gas turbine components.
What has changed since our last meeting three years ago?
Over the past few years, RTP POWER has achieved significant progress, with 2025 being particularly successful.
One of our most important milestones was the establishment of RTP POWER IRAQ at the beginning of 2025. This is not merely an authorized partnership but a fully operational subsidiary with a physical office located in central Baghdad.
Today, RTP POWER SE operates directly from its own offices in UAE, UK and IRAQ.
In these markets, we have built strong relationships, including direct connections with key government institutions in power generation sector, Oil and Industry.
In this region and specially in IRAQ such relationships are essential.
Our strategy is to reach and support our clients directly without any representatives or intermediaries. This allows us to engage with clients face-to-face, obtain immediate feedback, and actively support project development.
Trust and local expertise are critical in this region.
Absolutely. This was a key reason for establishing our Iraqi subsidiary. Specially through our Managing Director of RTP POWER IRAQ Mr. Swuidan Abed Asmi. He brings exceptional expertise from his 45 years of experience in the governmental sector.
He worked more than 35 years in the Ministry of Manufacturing and Industry followed with more than 10 years as a General Manager in the Ministry of Electricity, Iraq.
As an expert with huge knowledge in power generation and manufacture field, he continues to serve as a trusted consultant to the government Gas Turbine Production Power Plant.
Coming back to my education and background. I graduated from Tikrit University as an Electrical Engineer and later on I finished my master’s degree in Poland at Warsaw University of Technology.
I know Mr. Swuidan Abed very well and I worked under his leadership in Baiji Gas Turbine Power Plant for 15 years in operation and servicing the Gas Turbine Units. Long-standing professional relationship provides a strong foundation for trust. His deep knowledge and institutional connections make him an invaluable link between RTP POWER and key governmental bodies.
What were your key achievements last year?
We participated in the 11th Energy Expo, Iraq’s major international exhibition for the energy and oil sectors.
Following the opening of our Baghdad branch, this was an ideal platform to introduce RTP POWER SE to the local market. Since the event was organized by both the Ministry of Electricity and the Ministry of Oil, it enabled us to engage directly with decision-makers and stakeholders.
How was the feedback from this exhibition?
The feedback exceeded our expectations after the unexpected number of visitors to our Booth No. 7 in Hall No. 9. We had very three busy days with technical talks all around the day. We presented our capabilities, physical turbine components, detailed technical data sheets and sharing many advertising materials.
Unlike most major companies which relied primarily on brochures and catalogues, RTP POWER SE showcased actual high-precision turbine components transported from our central warehouse in Prague to Baghdad.
This allowed the visitors to inspect real components, verify quality firsthand and review detailed specifications. This tangible presentation significantly strengthened market confidence in our capabilities.
Was this your first time presenting in Iraq?
For RTP POWER no. However, it was the first official presentation of RTP POWER IRAQ, which was established on 25 June 2025.
What is the current business environment in Iraq?
Iraq urgently requires infrastructure development, particularly in the energy sector.
While government funding for major projects is substantial, procurement policies often prioritize local companies. In practice, this sometimes results in project execution through intermediaries rather than experienced industrial suppliers, which can affect material quality and technical standards. Iraqi government welcome always the international companies to act direct.
Despite these challenges, Iraq remains a resource-rich country with vast oil and mineral reserves.
Following the devastation caused by the 2014 conflict with ISIS, major cities such as Mosul, Kirkuk, Salahuddin and Anbar suffered extensive damage in the key energy infrastructure including one of the Middle East’s largest refineries and several power plants in northern Iraq was severely affected.
Reconstruction has progressed steadily, and improved security has made Iraq an increasingly attractive destination for investment.
The country requires power generation, infrastructure, health, water systems and modern educational facilities. In short, comprehensive redevelopment.
Are there opportunities for Czech companies?
Yes. Companies with previous experience in Iraq generally maintain a strong reputation.
However, operating successfully requires local presence. We at RTP POWER IRAQ have this key and we are formally registered with the Ministry of Trade and holds all the required administration to participate in the public tenders, and we are open to support and work with Czech companies together on different opportunities.
Can you highlight recent projects?
Certainly. Recent RTP POWER activities were by supplying GT spare parts for MS5001 and MS6001B at Mullabdullah Power Plant, overhaul of MS5001 turbine rotor for Ministry of Industry at the south fertilizer company, supplying spare parts for V94.2 Siemens turbines at Dibis Power Plant, supplying spare parts for (MS5001,H25 ) turbines at Taji Power Plant and spare parts for Alstom Turbine in Basrah in the south of Iraq.
The turbine rotor overhaul work involve by transporting turbine rotors to the Czech Republic, performing advanced repair works and treatment in Prague and the then returning the refurbished rotor or capital parts to Iraq.
In 2025 alone, we completed more than five major projects.
Is regional expansion part of your strategy?
Yes. we are currently working to establishing contacts in Syria. In Jordan we have strength relationships to support the electrical production company SIPCO. Through our branch in UAE in Ajman City, we are acting to support the Gulf region and multiple markets.
Is it challenging to operate in both advanced and post-conflict markets?
Regardless of location, whether in highly developed environments such as Dubai or in reconstruction-driven economies like Iraq and Syria for example, the need for reliable energy infrastructure remains universal.
Electricity is the foundation of national stability and development.
Without secure energy supply the industry cannot function, infrastructure cannot develop and societies cannot progress. Energy access is the first step toward rebuilding and growth.
Josef Vališka
Photos: RTP Power
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