Iraq Power Generation Reaches 24,700 MW, Demand Exceeds 50,000
At a Glance
- Generation reaches 24,700 MW.
- Demand exceeds 50,000 MW.
- Diwaniyah station to add 264 MW.
- 95% of stations rely on fuel and gas.
Iraq's electricity generation has reached 24,700 megawatts, while national demand has surpassed 50,000 megawatts, according to the Ministry of Electricity.
Key Statements and Focus Area
"Generation from power stations in Baghdad and the provinces has reached 24,700 megawatts." — Iraqi Ministry of Electricity
The Diwaniyah power station is expected to add 264 megawatts to the national grid through a Chinese company.
Around 30 to 40 percent of domestic generation relies on daily imports of Iranian natural gas.
Generation Falls Short of Demand
Iraq's electricity sector is facing a substantial gap between available generation and national demand. The Ministry of Electricity says generation currently stands at 24,700 megawatts, while demand has exceeded 50,000 megawatts.
The ministry says rehabilitation work is continuing at additional power stations to increase available generation capacity.
Diwaniyah Station Adds 264 Megawatts
The Diwaniyah power station, operated through a Chinese company, is being brought into operation and is expected to supply 264 megawatts to the national grid.
Iraq also receives more than 1,200 megawatts of electricity from the Kurdistan Region, according to the ministry.
Heavy Dependence on Fuel and Gas
Iraq's electricity generation remains heavily dependent on fuel and natural gas. The ministry says around 30 to 40 percent of domestic generation relies on daily imports of between 7 million and 18 million cubic meters of Iranian gas.
Of Iraq's 371 power stations, 355, or about 95 percent, operate entirely on fuel and natural gas. Eight stations use steam, while another eight rely on hydropower.
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Current generation | 24,700 MW |
| National demand | More than 50,000 MW |
| Diwaniyah station addition | 264 MW |
| Electricity from Kurdistan Region | More than 1,200 MW |
| Power stations | 371 |
| Stations relying on fuel/gas | 355 (about 95%) |
| Iranian gas imports | 7–18 million m³ daily |
Government Measures
The generation shortfall has contributed to public dissatisfaction and protests in several provinces.
In response, the Iraqi prime minister has ordered subsidized fuel supplies for private generators, with 40 liters of fuel allocated for each operating hour.
Private generator operators have also been required to provide residents with at least 20 hours of electricity per day, according to the measures outlined by the authorities.
FYI
The figures underline the scale of Iraq's electricity supply challenge, with demand more than twice current generation and the power sector heavily reliant on fuel and imported gas. Increasing domestic generation while diversifying energy sources could remain central to reducing supply gaps and dependence on external fuel supplies.
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