Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity Prepares for Summer Amid Energy Challenges
The Ministry of Electricity is actively preparing for the upcoming summer season, facing challenges stemming from disruptions in Iranian gas supplies and potential energy crises.
According to ministry spokesman Ahmed Moussa, Iraq is striving to diversify its gas sources. New transportation mechanisms are being implemented that will facilitate the importation of 20 million cubic meters of gas. However, this quantity is only half of what Iraq typically imports from Iran.
Moussa elaborated on future strategies, noting plans to import liquefied gas via floating and mobile platforms. The Ministry of Oil is tasked with securing these supplies, which are expected to power electrical stations with a cumulative capacity of 4,000 megawatts. The implementation of these plans is set to be completed before June, along with the extension of new pipelines that will connect the platforms to the southern stations to ensure the necessary fuel delivery.
In parallel, the Ministry of Electricity has submitted a detailed request to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani outlining its kerosene requirements for operating plants capable of using it as a gas alternative. Efforts are also underway to finalize the development of complex courses stations that operate without traditional fuel sources, complemented by solar power plants expected to be operational by June.
Iraq relies significantly on Iranian gas for electricity generation, with daily imports ranging from 40 to 50 million cubic meters. Ongoing supply interruptions caused by financial and technical difficulties have led to recurring energy crises, particularly during the peak demand months of summer.
Despite possessing considerable reserves of associated gas from oil extraction, Iraq has yet to fully exploit these resources due to inadequate infrastructure and incomplete gas processing projects. This situation has compelled the government to rely on gas imports to satisfy the needs of the electricity sector.
