Baghdad – Iraq has announced plans to bring in electricity from Turkey to its northern provinces via a new power line, in a move to diversify its energy sources and overcome chronic power outages. This marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between Iraq and its neighboring countries and promoting regional energy integration.
The 115-kilometer (71-mile) power line connects to the Kisik power station in western Mosul and will provide 300 megawatts of electricity to the provinces of Nineveh, Salah al-Din, and Kirkuk, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s office. This project is a strategic move that will not only address the current power crisis but also pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy network in the country.
Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani hailed the new power line as a crucial step towards linking Iraq with its neighboring nations. The line officially began operating on Sunday, as confirmed by Ahmed Moussa, spokesperson for the electricity ministry.
Iraq has been grappling with a crippled infrastructure for decades, especially in the aftermath of war and conflict. This has resulted in crippling power cuts, which are particularly severe during the blistering summer months when temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The lack of electricity has significantly impacted households, with many only receiving a few hours of power each day. In order to cope with the situation, some people have resorted to using private generators to keep essential appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners running.
Despite being one of the world’s top oil-producing countries, Iraq has been heavily reliant on imports to meet its energy demands, especially from its neighbor Iran. However, frequent disruptions in supplies from Iran have added to Iraq’s existing woes. This highlights the urgent need to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on a single country.
Prime Minister Sudani has consistently emphasized the importance of diversifying energy sources in order to overcome the country’s energy crisis. The new power line from Turkey is a significant step in this direction and will not only provide much-needed relief to the northern provinces but also strengthen the country’s energy security.
Moreover, this is not the only project that Iraq has undertaken to diversify its energy sources. In March, a 340-kilometer (210-mile) power line from Jordan to Al-Rutbah in Iraq’s southwest began operating, providing additional electricity to the country’s grid. This also serves as a testament to Iraq’s commitment to exploring various possibilities and partnerships to meet its energy needs.
In line with this vision, the Iraqi government is also working towards completing the connection with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) electric grid by the end of this year. This ambitious project will enable Iraq to integrate into the regional energy system, further diversifying its energy sources and promoting regional cooperation.
The government’s proactive approach towards addressing the energy crisis is commendable and is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and self-sufficient energy sector. By diversifying energy sources and actively seeking partnerships with neighboring countries, Iraq is not only addressing its immediate energy needs but also laying the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The new power line from Turkey is a significant milestone for Iraq and is a testament to the country’s determination to overcome its energy challenges. It not only provides much-needed electricity to the northern provinces but also paves the way for a stronger and more interconnected regional energy network. As Prime Minister Sudani rightly stated, this project is a “strategic” step towards linking Iraq with its neighboring countries and promoting regional cooperation. With the completion of the connection to the GCC grid, Iraq will be able to further strengthen its energy ties with the region and reduce its dependence on a single source. The future looks bright for Iraq’s energy sector, and this new power line is a strong step towards achieving a more sustainable and prosperous Iraq.
