Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has vowed to improve the country’s electricity system by next summer, noting that the current crisis in power supply is primarily caused by problems with energy transmission and distribution.
Sudani’s remarks came during a video conference on Wednesday with officials from the Ministry of Electricity, coinciding with the announcement of new power stations in the provinces of Salahuddin and Nineveh, located north of Baghdad. These new stations, according to Iraqi authorities, are expected to help address the country’s long-standing electricity shortages.
The Iraqi premier said: "Scientific assessments show that there is a significant problem with transmission and distribution, alongside the shortage in electricity production. Any improvements in the transmission sector and efforts to reduce pressure on the national grid will have a positive impact, comparable to adding new power generation capacity."
A government statement outlined the new projects, which include providing two transformers for the Mosul Dam power station, upgrading the South power station, adding transmission lines to the Qayyarah station, and expanding the Baiji substation with the implementation of the Baiji-South Tikrit transmission lines.
Sudani stressed that these projects have been delayed for years due to the destruction caused by ISIS, “but have now been completed by skilled national teams, equipped with the latest technologies from leading global manufacturers.”
Sudani further highlighted ongoing and planned projects designed to enhance energy transmission and reduce grid overload.
Minister of Electricity Ziyad Fadhil reported that while production has reached 26,000 megawatts, this falls short of actual demand.
Historically, Iraq’s power issues stem from damage during the Gulf War and economic sanctions. Many Iraqis rely on costly private generators, adding to their financial strain. Observers suggest that political competition and potential protests over energy shortages could escalate in the coming months.
