The complete disruption of Iranian gas to Iraq threatens electricity supplies

​The complete disruption of Iranian gas to southern Iraq and its impact on electricity production

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced that Iranian gas supplies have completely stopped to the southern region, with very limited flows continuing to the central region not exceeding 5 million cubic meters, which has affected several electricity production stations in the country.

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity seeks to compensate for the gas shortage with alternative fuel

The spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, Ahmed Moussa, stated that the ministry is working to fill the gap in gas supplies by using alternative fuel to operate some of the affected stations, in coordination with the Ministry of Oil, which is making efforts to secure the necessary needs for continued operation.

Electricity supply variation between provinces due to gas supply shortages

Moussa clarified that the supply of electrical energy varies from province to province, depending on how much the stations have been affected by the loss of Iranian gas, as some production units have managed to continue thanks to alternative fuel, while others have been more significantly impacted.

Operation of strategic stations in Baghdad and Diyala despite challenges

The Ministry of Electricity confirmed that it continues to operate strategic stations, or parts of them, in the capital Baghdad and Diyala province, relying on the available quantities of fuel, in an attempt to maintain the stability of the electrical grid.

Decline in national gas production in Iraq and its impact on the electricity sector

Moussa pointed out that the decline in oil production and exports has negatively affected national gas production, which has decreased from about one billion cubic feet to around 400 million only, increasing the pressures on electricity generation stations.

Moderate temperatures help reduce pressure on the electricity grid

The spokesperson noted that the moderate temperatures during the current period have contributed to controlling electrical loads, partially alleviating the impact of gas supply shortages, expressing hope for the resumption of Iranian gas flow and an increase in local gas production soon.

Government plans to enhance gas and electricity supplies before summer

Moussa clarified that the Ministry of Oil is working to increase national gas production, especially after resuming oil exports through land outlets and tankers, which may contribute to improving fuel supplies for electricity stations in the upcoming period.

Preparations of the electricity sector in Iraq to face summer peak demand

The Ministry of Electricity confirmed that production stations and transmission networks are almost ready, with ongoing work to complete the distribution sector development plan, aiming to prepare for peak loads during the summer season.

New gas projects and electrical interconnection with neighboring countries before summer

Moussa revealed that work is ongoing to establish a gas platform at the port of Khor al-Zubair, to be ready before summer and contribute to meeting part of the needs, in addition to nearing completion of electrical interconnection projects with neighboring countries to enhance network stability.