Electricity Generation in Iraq -- Problems and Solutions

The Al-Bayan Center for Planning and Studies has just published a new report by Hayder al-Khafaji on electricity generation in Iraq:

Meeting energy needs in a manner that achieves security for Iraq has become a major source of concern for the electricity sector in the country; with the industry claiming that it lacks the capacity to meet current peak demand, especially with production running at about 50% of the country’s requirements.

There is little doubt that over the coming years peak demand for electricity will greatly exceed the capacity of existing power stations. In view of the aforementioned, the need for the construction of new power stations has never been more pressing, however, it will not be without certain obstacles, most significantly the availability of fuel and other unforeseen technical problems, such as breaches of the contracts for the construction of new power stations.

Iraq’s electricity generation problems are not new. Historically, the country has suffered from severe power shortages since 1990, which were further compounded after 2003 by the unworthiness of the old power generation plants and the acts of sabotage during the intervening years.

All this culminated in prolonged power cuts lasting anything between 14-20 hours a day; forcing ordinary people to rely on private neighbourhood generators and/or small household generators, both of which have added a considerable financial burden on people.

Please click here to download the full report.

(Source: Al-Bayan Center)

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One Response to Electricity Generation in Iraq -- Problems and Solutions

  1. Dale C 15th October 2018 at 17:41 #

    There never seems to be any solutions to Iraq's electricity problems. My opinion is that Iraq needs outside help from people that understand what their problem is by visual observation of the entire countries electrical grid and power plants that are functioning. Iraq could be generating electricity from flared off natural gas. Iraq could build solar farms. I am a retired Union Electrician. recently I worked on the construction of 5 big solar farms in California. This is a solution for Iraq. Iraq seems to be lacking in people in Iraq that have understanding of the problems and don't have solutions.