by Xinhua writer Duan Minfu
BAGHDAD, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- On the outskirts of Sulaymaniyah in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, truckloads of packaged cement roll out to construction sites across the country, fresh from the modern production lines built by a Chinese company.
Sinoma (Suzhou) Construction Co., Ltd. has built two cement clinker production lines at the Delta Cement Plant in Sulaymaniyah, with daily outputs of 5,300 and 6,000 tons, and manages all aspects of plant operation and maintenance.
After decades of conflict, Iraq's infrastructure was severely damaged, and its cement industry weakened, forcing the country to rely heavily on imported materials that have slowed reconstruction.
Omar Hussein, deputy CEO of Delta Cement Plant, told Xinhua that the quality product from the Chinese-built lines are boosting Iraq's cement production capacity and supporting the country's reconstruction and development.
Inside the central control room of the plant, a smart digital system developed by Sinoma monitors and manages the entire production process, helping operators track equipment, optimize performance, and respond quickly to any issues.
"The platform not only helps reduce energy consumption and optimize production, but also ensures safe and stable operations through intelligent management," explained Tang Jigang, maintenance manager of the Delta Cement Plant project.
To address power shortages and unstable electricity supply, Sinoma (Suzhou) built supporting energy facilities, including a 15-megawatt waste heat power generation unit and a 50-megawatt photovoltaic power plant. Together, they form a diversified clean energy system.
The photovoltaic plant alone generates about 84 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, providing stable power for cement production while cutting approximately 60,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually. It also significantly reduces emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, aligning the project with green and sustainable development goals.
Gong Teng, operation and maintenance project manager of Sinoma (Suzhou) in the Kurdistan Region, said that these projects reflect China's commitment to green development. "Chinese companies will continue to integrate their strengths, and work hand in hand with Iraqi partners to build a mutually beneficial and win-win Green Silk Road."
Omar described the Delta Cement Plant project as another example of pragmatic cooperation between Iraq and China under the Belt and Road Initiative. "The value of Chinese involvement goes beyond equipment and technology, they also inject new momentum into the modernization of Iraq's building materials industry and the country's efforts toward economic diversification," said Omar. ■
