Mixed picture
Rising water reserves in Kurdistan Region boost electricity production despite reduced rainfall
ERBIL — Despite receiving less rainfall this year-on-year, the Kurdistan Region’s dams are reporting higher water storage levels, leading to an increase in electricity production across the region. While the numbers suggest a positive trend, challenges remain as storage levels still fall short of meeting the region’s full capacity.
According to data from the Kurdistan Region Government’s General Directorate of Dams and Water Reservoirs, the total water storage across Kurdistan’s dams has reached 3.8078 billion cubic meters as of Jan. 5, 2025, compared to 2.8938 billion cubic meters recorded on the same date last year. This increase has provided some relief to the region, but experts caution that it is still far from optimal, considering the combined capacity of major dams like Dukan and Darbandikhan, which together can hold up to 10 billion cubic meters of water.
The Dukan Dam, one of the region’s largest reservoirs, exemplifies this mixed picture. While its storage has risen significantly — from 1.4913 billion cubic meters last year to 2.1567 billion cubic meters this year — it still operates well below its full capacity of 7 billion cubic meters. Similarly, Darbandikhan Dam saw its water storage increase from 1.3148 billion cubic meters to 1.5491 billion cubic meters.
These water storage increases have had a direct impact on electricity production, a critical pillar in the Kurdistan Region’s energy infrastructure. Hydroelectric output from the region’s dams has risen sharply, from 52 megawatts in early 2024 to 85 megawatts in early 2025 — an increase of 33 megawatts. The Dukan Dam, for example, increased its electricity production from 36 MW to 44 MW, while the Darbandikhan Dam saw an even steeper rise from 16 MW to 41 MW.
However, not all dams have contributed to this power surge. Smaller reservoirs, such as Duhok Dam, remain outside the electricity grid due to the absence of power generation facilities. Meanwhile, dams like Kifri, Hasan Kanoush, Awaspi, and Dewana reported fluctuating water levels, in some cases showing a decline from last year.
Despite the recent gains in hydroelectric power production, Kurdistan continues to face chronic electricity shortages, with supply consistently falling short of demand. The region’s electricity sector relies on three primary sources: natural gas-fired power plants, hydroelectric dams, and imported electricity. While dams have contributed to a slight increase in power generation, gas remains dominant.
Residents of the Kurdistan Region currently receive an average of seven to eight hours of electricity per day from the national grid, to compensate for the limited public electricity supply, households and businesses rely on private neighborhood generators to meet their energy needs. These generators, while essential for bridging the power gap, often lead to increased noise and urban pollution.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has announced plans to provide 24-hour electricity across the region by 2026.