The Ministry of Electricity says the Iraq-Gulf electricity connection project is almost ready to start working. The project will first provide about 500 megawatts of electricity once it goes into service.
Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa Al-Abadi said the project is about 95% finished. Right now, teams are completing the final technical steps before the first phase officially begins operating.
The ministry also said that the electricity connection between Iraq and Turkey is already fully completed and ready. It can be used during the summer months, when electricity demand usually rises sharply.
There are also other regional power connections in progress. The electricity link between Iraq and Jordan is already running in its first phase. Work is now being prepared for the second phase, after completing the connection between the Al-Qaim station in Iraq and the Al-Risha station in Jordan.
Officials say the electricity system is getting ready for the summer season by strengthening power lines and making sure the network is ready for higher demand.
However, there is still a challenge. Imports of gas used for power generation have dropped to about 6 million cubic meters per day, which is affecting electricity production. Because of this, the electricity ministry is working with the Ministry of Oil to provide alternative fuel for power plants so they can keep running.
