The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity is preparing an emergency plan to secure power supply during the summer season. By diversifying electricity sources, the government aims to pass the peak demand period without protests or public demonstrations.

High-Level Government Meeting on Electricity Crisis

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi chaired a meeting at the Ministry of Electricity to review ongoing projects and the ministry’s plan to stabilize the national grid during the summer peak, when electricity demand reaches its highest levels.

He reiterated that the electricity file remains a top priority in the government’s infrastructure agenda aimed at improving public services.

Emergency Summer Plan and Fuel Supply Constraints

Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib stated that, due to the regional situation and a reduction in natural gas supplies, electricity generation hours have been affected.

In response, a special emergency plan has been put in place to manage the summer peak period.

Power Imports, Interconnection Projects, and Grid Support

As part of efforts to strengthen supply, a Turkish power generation ship has arrived at Umm Qasr Port and, after reaching Khor al-Zubair, will be connected to the national grid in the coming days.

The vessel has a capacity of 350 megawatts and is expected to support generation stability during the summer season.

Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa also stated that Iraq is working on connecting its electricity grid with Turkey, which is expected to supply an additional 600 megawatts.

He added that other regional interconnection projects are also underway to further stabilize the system.

Longstanding Electricity Shortage and Structural Imbalance

Iraq’s electricity crisis has continued for 24 years, with successive governments unable to resolve it. Current production stands at 29,000 megawatts, while demand reaches 60,000 megawatts, leaving a summer shortfall of more than 30,000 megawatts.

Despite possessing 131 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, Iraq relies on Iran for about 40% of its gas and electricity needs. At the same time, 98% of electricity generation depends on fossil fuels.

To diversify energy sources, Iraq has launched 15 solar power projects expected to produce 7,500 megawatts.

However, annual electricity spending remains around 11 trillion dinars, while revenue is only about one trillion dinars, highlighting a persistent financial imbalance in the sector.