Baghdad: Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced today the beginning of a new phase in the country’s electricity sector, affirming that the government has laid the foundation for resolving the long-standing power crisis and establishing a more stable and efficient energy system.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, this announcement came during Al-Sudani’s visit to the Ministry of Electricity headquarters, where he inaugurated, via closed-circuit television, four high-voltage (400 kV) power transmission lines connecting southern provinces with those in the central Euphrates region. This project is considered the largest of its kind in Iraq, with a total length of 412 km and the installation of 960 transmission towers.
‘This segment has been completed under challenging circumstances, but it represents a crucial step towards enhancing the stability of the power grid and ensuring the smooth flow of electricity,’ Al-Sudani stated. He emphasized that these projects, along with measures to regulate consumption, will ultimately put an end to Iraq’s electricity problem.
The Prime Minister noted that the government is proceeding in parallel between the Ministry of Electricity’s plans and the state’s broader requirements in housing, industry, and development, asserting that energy security is a cornerstone of comprehensive development and national economic revitalization.
He added, ‘This project spans the Basra-Nasiriyah-Samawah-Diwaniyah network, and we will soon begin a new transmission corridor linking Maysan, Wasit, and the central Euphrates region, as part of a strategy to strengthen transmission and distribution sectors and reduce technical losses in the grid.’
Al-Sudani explained that, since taking office, the government has worked to identify the root causes of failures in the power sector and has begun implementing urgent measures. Among the most significant is the launch of combined-cycle projects to increase power generation without additional fuel consumption, thereby improving plant efficiency.
He also confirmed that renewable energy projects will soon become operational, in addition to ongoing gas and thermal power plants, contributing to increased electricity production and supply stability.
The Prime Minister commended the efforts of engineers and technicians at the Ministry of Electricity, as well as the contributions of the private sector. He stressed that the newly launched high-voltage lines represent a milestone achievement, connecting provinces for the first time at this capacity and scale, which will strengthen the national grid and ensure continuous electricity delivery to citizens.
Al-Sudani also reviewed the ministry’s plan to secure power supply during the Arbaeen pilgrimage of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), which includes the installation of 16 additional stations to handle increased loads and ensure power reaches pilgrimage routes and service processions without affecting residential areas.