Iraq now importing 900 MW from Turkey and Jordan, ministry says

BAGHDAD — Iraq is receiving 600 megawatts from Turkey and 300 from Jordan after cross-border transmission links entered service, the Electricity Ministry said Tuesday, four days after the minister told parliament that none of the promised interconnection projects was running.

Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Turki told Al-Mada that the Turkish line was reactivated two days ago and its 600 MW added to the national grid, and that the Jordanian link was supplying 300 MW, in line with the ministry’s strategy “to diversify energy sources and enhance grid stability.”

The 900 MW is about 4% of current generation. Iraq’s plants depend on imported Iranian gas for 33% to 40% of output, and deliveries fell sharply this year after attacks on Iran’s South Pars field. The ministry aimed in April to generate 30,000 MW at peak against projected demand of 55,000 to 60,000 MW; generation has since fallen to about 21,000 MW.

Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib told parliament’s Electricity and Energy Committee on Saturday that regional crises had delayed the interconnection projects and that none had entered service, and that the ministry still needed additional gas and was carrying debts on fuel purchases.

Falling supply has triggered demonstrations in several governorates, with residents of Basra, Najaf and Wasit protesting for longer supply hours, blocking roads and clashing with security forces in some areas. Lawmakers have called for an end to preferential treatment, and the ministry said in late July it would disconnect institutions that have not paid accumulated bills and had cancelled exemptions.