Warning over water release from Deraluk hydropower project

DERALUK — The Deraluk Hydropower Project, a key initiative leveraging the flow of the Great Zab River, will commence a critical phase of water release for a 24-hour period starting this afternoon. Reber Sadiq, manager of the Deraluk sub-district, urges the public to exercise caution and maintain a safe distance from the riverbanks during this time due to an anticipated increase in water levels, which could render the banks unstable and dangerous.

This operation is part of a series of testing procedures for the hydropower facility, designed to convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, representing a renewable and environmentally friendly source of power. The testing involves several essential components of the hydropower system.

The water intake acts as the gateway for river water, initiating its journey through the plant. A 100-meter-long and 17-meter-high tunnel then channels this water, ensuring an optimal flow rate toward the turbines. These units, comprised of turbines and generators, are the core of the electricity generation process. As water flows through the turbines, it spins their blades, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The Deraluk Hydropower Project, initiated in 2016 and completed in 2021, is currently in a testing phase and awaits its official inauguration. Despite its design to produce 37 megawatts of electricity, it is generating only seven megawatts during this preliminary stage.

The project has faced several delays since being completed but management is confident operations will begin successfully this time.

The infrastructure includes not only the intake, tunnel, and canal but also a power site equipped with two generation units and a 132 KV station for electricity transmission. With a budget of 151.8 million dinars ($100,000), the project underscores a renewed push for sustainable energy production as the region’s energy security and exposure to climate change become more stark.

The project employs over 300 workers, including a significant proportion of local residents and Kurdish engineers, with an Italian engineer providing additional expertise.

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