Iberdrola Ingenieria y Construccion has brought a 2,000MW gas-fired combined-cycle power plant into operation in Qatar.

The power plant comprises three configuration groups (2x2x1) and two black start turbines, with a total of six 9FA gas turbines, six HRSG recovery boilers, three D11 type condensing steam turbines and two 6B dual gas-diesel turbines.

The plant also includes a power sub-station, covering an area of over 12,250sqmt. This distribution facility, which is located to the north-west of the plant, consists of three buildings, two of which have adjoining control centers.

Each of the enclosures in the sub-station corresponds to a particular voltage: 400kV, 220kV and 132kV. The technology used, known as gas insulated switchyard, facilitates maintenance and ensures correct operation in adverse conditions, such as extreme temperatures or the presence of large amounts of sand or dust, Iberdrola said.

The system for control, protection and measurement at this new infrastructure developed by Iberdrola is connected by fibre-optic cable to the national control center of the Qatar state power company, Kahramaa.

The Qatar plant was built for Mesaieed Power, which holds the development and operating rights. The tender for the new gas plant was awarded to Iberdrola in March 2007 for $1.66bn.