Iraq’s PM ‘determined’ to improve country’s electricity infrastructure

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said Thursday his government has greatly prioritized developing the country’s lacking electricity infrastructure as many Iraqi citizens continue to suffer from power shortages, especially in the brutally hot summer months.

“The government attaches great importance to electricity and is determined to develop this sector, which has suffered despite the huge government spending,” Sudani stressed during a Thursday meeting with the electricity minister and investors.

Iraq suffers from chronic electricity shortages, especially felt when summer temperatures reach scorching levels of over 50 degrees Celsius. The high temperatures subsequently lead citizens to consume very high amounts of power.

“As a result [of the electricity shortages], critical economic sectors such as industry, agriculture, investment, and others have been affected,” the statement added.

In an attempt to increase the country’s electricity supply, Iraq reached an agreement with Jordan to import 150 megawatts of power in late 2022, and has reportedly finished its technical supplies to import 500 megawatts from Turkey.

Iran also depends on importing natural gas from Iran, which provides 30 percent of its electricity, in a bid to keep the lights on in the country.

In October, Iran said that its gas exports to Iraq have increased since early 2022 with Tehran continuing to receive money owed by Baghdad for its export of gas.

Iraq’s PM ‘determined’ to improve country’s electricity infrastructure

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