Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, announced plans to increase the country’s electricity production next summer, contingent upon stable gas imports.
Fadel indicated that Iraq relies on two primary sources for gas imports, with projections of 50 million cubic meters per day in the coming summer.
The minister outlined that 20 million cubic meters will be secured from Turkmenistan, while the remaining supply will come from a five-year agreement with Iran. “As Iraq’s domestic gas production increases, the reliance on imported gas will gradually decrease,” Fadel noted.
This announcement follows an agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and Turkmenistan to supply up to 20 million cubic meters of gas daily. Efforts are underway to address the country’s ongoing electricity shortages caused by insufficient fuel supplies for power plants. The government is working to diversify energy sources, boost gas imports, and invest in local gas production projects to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly Iran.
Additionally, the Oil, Gas, and Natural Resources Parliamentary Committee disclosed plans for Iraq to import gas from Kazakhstan. Committee spokesperson Ali Shaddad confirmed that an agreement with Kazakhstan to supply up to 20 million cubic meters of gas is expected soon.
Iraq faces daily power outages lasting up to 10 hours, which worsen during summer when temperatures exceed 50°C (122°F). The country requires 48,000 megawatts to meet domestic electricity demand, as reported by Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Musa. While gas imports from Iran play a critical role in electricity generation, U.S. sanctions complicate Baghdad’s ability to make payments for the Iranian gas.
