Iraq, Turkey launch electricity interconnection to meet northern region's energy needs
Date
7/21/2024 8:48:57 AM
(MENAFN) The Iraqi authorities have inaugurated a new electricity interconnection line with Turkey aimed at supplying power to Iraq's northern region. This initiative is part of Baghdad's broader strategy to diversify its energy sources and mitigate the country's persistent power outages. According to a statement from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office on Sunday, this new network will commence by providing Iraq with 300 megawatts of electricity. The electricity will be transmitted through a 115-kilometer-long link line, catering to three specific regions in northern Iraq.
Currently, Iraq is heavily dependent on imports for its energy needs, with between one-third to 40 percent of its electricity and gas supplies coming from Iran. Despite this significant import volume, Iraq continues to experience widespread power outages, particularly during the hot summer months when the demand for electricity for cooling purposes escalates. The situation is further complicated by Iran's frequent reductions in supply, driven by its domestic electricity needs and Iraq's difficulties in making timely payments due to US sanctions imposed on Iran. These sanctions have created financial obstacles, exacerbating Iraq's energy supply issues.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the United States has been pressuring Iraq, the second-largest oil producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), to lessen its dependency on Iranian gas. Diversifying energy sources is a key aspect of this strategy. In addition to the new Turkish interconnection, an electricity link between Jordan and Iraq began operations in March, supplying 40 megawatts to the grid in western Iraq. Furthermore, the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced plans to complete an interconnection line with the Kuwaiti electricity grid by the end of 2024, marking another significant step in Iraq's efforts to enhance its energy independence and stability.
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