Iraq’s Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, has announced the launch of energy projects with a total capacity of 15,000 megawatts (MW), signaling a significant milestone in the nation’s energy sector. Over the past two years, Iraq’s power production has grown by 9,000 MW, reflecting remarkable progress.
Speaking at the Steam Power Plant Projects Launch Conference, Fadel emphasized the vital role of electricity in Iraq’s development. “Electricity serves as the backbone of Iraq’s comprehensive growth, driving industrial, agricultural, and urban advancements while enhancing citizens’ quality of life,” he stated.
The country’s total electricity production capacity has increased from 19,000 MW in 2022 to 28,000 MW in 2024, marking a 40% rise. Building on this progress, Iraq has launched new projects, including gas power plants (2,430 MW), combined cycle systems (3,811 MW), solar power plants (4,875 MW), and steam power plants (3,500 MW).
Despite these advances, Iraq faces challenges due to surging energy demand, which rose from 27,000 MW to 48,000 MW during the summer. To address this, the Ministry of Electricity has devised a comprehensive strategy to meet growing needs, with the conference serving as a pivotal step in its implementation.
Fadel acknowledged the impact of disruptions in imported gas supplies, which have reduced production capacity by over 7,000 MW. To mitigate such risks, the government has adopted a strategy to enhance energy security by reducing dependence on imports and investing in domestic resources like natural gas and crude oil.
The government, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, is also negotiating major energy agreements with General Electric for an additional 25,000 MW and Siemens for 10,000 MW.
Highlighting the benefits of steam power plants, Fadel noted their efficiency in addressing energy demand in industrial and densely populated regions. These plants also offer fuel flexibility, allowing the use of cost-effective, locally sourced fuels to lower operational costs. Advanced systems to minimize emissions have also been integrated to address environmental concerns.
The minister further explained that the selection of plant models was based on thorough studies conducted by the global consultancy firm KBR in partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Planning. He emphasized that Iraq’s improved stability and investment climate have created significant opportunities for long-term partnerships and investments in the energy sector.
