OPEC oil producer Iraq needs to set up projects that will add nearly 37,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to tackle a persistent shortage caused by war damage, said the country’s Electricity Minister.
Ziad Fadel told the Parliament’s Finance Commission that Iraq is suffering from a “power deficit” of nearly 14,000 GW and it would exacerbate in the future in the absence of projects.
“There is an electricity supply deficit in Iraq of at least 14,000 MW at present and it could rise in the future…we need to add nearly 37,000 MW to cover this deficit, end imports and ensure power self-sufficiency,” he said.
Officials said in late 2022 Iraq intends to award more solar power projects within plans to boost renewable energy production to 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
The Arab country, which sits atop the world’s fifth largest proven oil reserves, has already awarded power contracts to three foreign companies for the production of nearly 2,500 MW of electricity, mainly from solar projects.
A large part of the shortage is met by energy imports from nearby Iran while there are plans to get power supplies through the connection with the common electricity grid in neighboring Gulf states and Jordan.
