Iraqi Prime Minister reviews electricity Ministry's summer preparations

Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Ministry of Electricity headquarters in Baghdad on Wednesday to assess its readiness for the approaching summer season. This visit underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s persistent electricity challenges.

According to statements from the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity released in January, there has been a significant improvement in electricity supply, with the duration of supply reaching 20 hours per day in 2023, compared to 13 hours during the same period in 2022. This improvement has been facilitated by utilizing gas supplies sourced from domestic fields to fuel energy generation.

The ministry’s spokesperson highlighted that numerous power plants, particularly in southern Iraq, are now operational using domestically produced fuel. This strategic shift aims to reduce dependence on gas imports, particularly from Iran, and bolster the utilization of flared gas and renewable energy sources for electricity generation.

Despite Iraq’s heavy reliance on gas imports from Iran, challenges persist due to US sanctions imposed on Iran, complicating Baghdad’s ability to secure payment for Iranian gas. The dependency on imported gas underscores the importance of domestic initiatives to enhance energy security and reliability.

Iraq routinely grapples with daily power outages lasting up to 10 hours, a situation exacerbated during the scorching summer months when temperatures soar above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The country’s aging infrastructure, marred by decades of conflict, corruption, and mismanagement, remains a primary obstacle to achieving consistent electricity supply.

Addressing the root causes of frequent power outages necessitates substantial investment in infrastructure renovation and modernization efforts. The Iraqi government’s commitment to enhancing domestic energy production and reducing reliance on imports signals a proactive approach to mitigating electricity challenges and ensuring stability for its citizens, particularly during critical periods like the impending summer season.