Iraq to add 500 MW of electricity to national grid: Ministry

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq will add 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity to its national power grid from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at the beginning of this year, a move aimed at meeting rising electricity demand during the winter season, the electricity ministry said.

The addition comes more than a week after the ministry announced a complete halt to imported Iranian gas supplies, resulting in the loss of between 4,000 and 4,500 MW from the national grid.

Electricity Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Moussa told state media on Thursday that the ministry is “working in coordination with the Ministry of Oil to secure alternative fuels to ensure that power generation units are not affected by reduced gas pressure in pipelines during the winter.”

Moussa described the Gulf interconnection project as a key step toward diversifying Iraq’s energy sources and integrating the country into the regional energy market.

“At the beginning of this year, the first 500 megawatts will enter service through Basra province,” he said, calling the move “an important milestone in diversifying energy sources.”

He added that while the national grid remains operationally stable, the impact of the supply shortfall is increasingly reflected in reduced hours of electricity availability.

Iraq has long suffered from chronic electricity shortages, particularly during the summer and winter months when demand peaks. The country relies heavily on imported Iranian gas to fuel a significant portion of its power generation.

Currently, Iraq produces between 20,000 and 25,000 MW of electricity, far short of the nearly 54,000 MW required to meet nationwide demand around the clock, according to the electricity ministry.

In March, the United States rescinded a waiver that had allowed Iraq to purchase electricity from Iran, as part of former President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran.

Following the waiver’s expiration, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani held meetings with energy officials to explore alternative options, including increasing domestic natural gas utilization and importing electricity from Jordan, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

Iraq is also pursuing renewable energy solutions. In late March, the electricity ministry announced it was close to finalizing agreements with two Emirati- and Saudi-based companies to develop solar power projects in the country.