Turkey-Iraq electricity transmission line inaugurated
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300-megawatt capacity line commences operation as country powers up plans to diversify energy mix including focus on renewables.
Plans to boost Iraq’s national power grid are advancing following the inauguration of a Turkey-Iraq electricity transmission line after a 20-year delay.
According to a statement from the office of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the newly operational 115-kilometre-long line connects, which connects to the Al-Kisk power station located west of Mosul, will supply up to 300 megawatts of power to the northern provinces of Nineveh, Salahuddin and Kirkuk.
First signed in 2004, with initial plans dating back to the 1990s, the project was completed in partnership with Turkey’s Ministry of Energy.
Speaking at the official inauguration ceremony, Al Sudani underlined the long-term significance of the project, and said: “The importance of this project lies in establishing Iraq’s first international electricity connection with neighbouring Turkey and subsequently with the European Union. This is a strategic move for future energy security.”
He also outlined Iraq’s plans to further integrate into the regional energy system as the government forges ahead with plans to connect with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia by the end of 2024 through the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and Iraq interconnection project.
Phase one of grid interconnectivity with Jordan was scheduled to begin supply on July 1st 2024 to Al-Rutbah in western Al Anbar province, with initial capacity of 50 megawatts.
In June, GCCIA and Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development signed a US$114 million loan agreement for financing to strengthen the GCC grid and its interconnection with southern Iraq. The Kuwait-Iraq link is expected to supply almost 500 megawatts.
Completion of the connection between Iraq and Saudi Arabia is also proceeding with 1,000 megawatts confirmed for phase one supply capacity according to Iraqi Ministry of Electricity spokesperson, Ahmed Musa.
A technical advisory contract has been signed between Turkey’s ministry and the Saudi Ministry of Energy. Phase one of the 500-megawatt interconnection for Basra Governorate has been completed ahead of implementation by year end.
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