· Power
U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner visits ONEX’s Bazian energy projects
In brief
The U.S. Consul General toured the Bazian power plant and refinery, both of which use American technology.
Bazian, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, 14 March 2025 — U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner toured ONEX’s key energy infrastructure, underscoring the partnership between the United States and Iraq in advancing the country’s energy sector. The visit covered the Bazian power plant and the Bazian refinery, both of which use American technology.
At the power plant, which runs on GE Vernova turbines, the Consul General saw how ONEX is contributing to Iraq’s energy security. With 1,250 MW of generation capacity, Bazian makes ONEX the second-largest private independent power producer (IPP) in the Kurdistan Region. ONEX plans to expand capacity to 1,500 MW.
ONEX has worked with GE for more than a decade and is one of its largest partners in the region, using advanced American energy solutions to improve reliability, efficiency and sustainability.
At the Bazian refinery — one of only two private refineries in Iraq — the Consul General saw how technology from U.S. companies including Ventech helps refine 45,000 barrels per day. The refinery processes products for Iraq’s State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), and its advanced systems increase the recovery value of refined products, raising revenue for the Iraqi government.
During the visit, the Consul General highlighted the strategic importance of U.S.–Iraq energy cooperation and ONEX’s role in economic growth, job creation and energy security in the region.
