Launch of New Electricity Production Projects in Iraq
Ziyad Ali Fadel, Minister of Electricity, announced significant advancements in Iraq’s energy sector with the initiation of new electricity production projects slated to generate 15,000 megawatts. During the conference to unveil these initiatives, Fadel emphasized the government’s strategic pivot towards steam station development, highlighting the growing confidence in the capabilities of Iraq’s energy sector.
The Minister articulated the critical nature of the energy sector, which is witnessing robust growth due to escalating population demands and rapid economic expansion across various industries. He underscored that electrical energy has become integral to comprehensive national development and serves as a foundational pillar for the industrial, agricultural, and urban transformation within the nation, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Iraqi citizens. Notably, the production of electrical energy rose by 40% within the last two years, increasing from 19,000 megawatts at the end of 2022 to 28,000 megawatts.
The Ministry of Electricity is advancing multiple projects, which include:
Project Type | Capacity (Megawatts) |
---|---|
Gas Stations | 2,430 |
Combined Cycle Systems | 3,811 |
Solar Power Plants | 4,875 |
Steam Stations | 3,500 |
Total | 15,000 |
These projects are actively under construction, demonstrating the Ministry’s commitment to increasing energy production despite existing challenges. One major issue outlined by the Minister is the unprecedented demand for energy, which surged from 27,000 to 48,000 megawatts during the recent summer months. This dramatic increase underscored the necessity for a well-defined future strategy.
Fadel pointed out that the decrease in imported gas supplies, crucial for the functioning of many gas stations, presented significant obstacles. This shortfall has impacted the national grid’s production capacity, resulting in a loss exceeding 7,000 megawatts.
Guided by a strategic vision to enhance national energy security and reduce reliance on imported sources, the Ministry aims to optimize the use of domestic resources, particularly in natural gas and crude oil sectors. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani, the government has dedicated considerable attention to the electricity sector, transitioning from limited contracts to negotiations for large-scale projects capable of generating tens of thousands of megawatts. This effort is vital for addressing the challenges presented by population growth and swift economic development.
With strong government backing and financial commitments in place, the initiation of these ambitious energy projects marks a decisive step forward. The focus on steam stations reflects not only their capacity to meet the rising demand efficiently but also their versatility in utilizing various fuel sources, leading to decreased operational costs and improved adherence to environmental standards through advanced emission-reduction technologies.
The selection of these projects was informed by comprehensive studies conducted by KBR International Consulting Company in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning. The current stability of Iraq, coupled with an evolving investment landscape, presents significant opportunities for long-term partnerships within the energy sector. The Ministry is prepared to extend robust support and facilitate the contributions of strategic partners in this transformative journey.