Electricity boost: Iraq signs 600 MW pact with Turkiye
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, Iraq's Ministry of Electricity signed a contract with Turkish company Alifrin to double the capacity of the Iraq-Turkiye power transmission line.
The ministry announced in a statement that the agreement will initially supply 300 megawatts to Iraq's national grid through the Jazira-Kasak 400kV line in Nineveh province, with the full 600-megawatt capacity, expected to be operational within a month. 'Technical teams have already completed infrastructure to implement the interconnection, and all contractual obligations have been met.'
The contract operates under a Take and Pay model, as Iraq will only pay for the electricity it consumes, 'offering economic flexibility and minimizing financial waste,' the ministry added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Geimer shortage shadows over Eid Al-Adha morning in Diyala
Shafaq News/ Amid Eid al-Adha prayers and festive greetings in Diyala's streets, families upheld a cherished tradition of serving Geimer al-Arab for breakfast. This year, however, the beloved treat was hard to find. By early morning, shops across the province reported a complete sell-out of Geimer, driven by surging demand and a limited supply, pushing prices to record highs. The cost of one kilogram soared to 40,000 Iraqi dinars, double the typical price range of 15,000 to 20,000 dinars on regular days. In Baqubah's Al-Muallimeen neighborhood, local shop owner Ammar Ali described the unusual pace of sales. All available stock had been reserved or sold out by 8 a.m., with customers placing advance orders the previous night. Some buyers requested large quantities, enough for extended family gatherings and guests. The spike in prices reflects not only the seasonal demand but also a broader issue: a decline in traditional production. Geimer, typically made through labor-intensive, manual methods in rural areas, faces growing constraints. Producers in surrounding villages have scaled back due to drought conditions and a lack of government support for the livestock sector. With most urban markets relying on these rural suppliers, the supply chain has struggled to meet the Eid rush. "Geimer production can't keep up without formal, regulated facilities to fill the gap," Ali noted. In another part of Baqubah, near Al-Quds intersection, resident Mohammed Jameel Abu Ghaith recounted a taxing morning. After visiting six shops without success, he eventually found just a quarter-kilogram of Geimer in the Khuraisan area, paying 10,000 dinars for it. Abu Ghaith urged authorities to invest in rural communities where buffalo herding and Geimer production are inherited livelihoods, warning that dwindling numbers of producers in areas like Baqubah's outskirts, Jalawla, and Al-Khalis could lead to the disappearance of a cherished culinary staple from Diyala's Eid traditions.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Kurdistan salary impasse casts shadow over Eid
Shafaq News/ Public employees across the Kurdistan Region marked the first day of Eid al-Adha without receiving their salaries, as the long-running payroll crisis continues with no resolution in sight. Despite political messaging issued for the holiday, the federal government has not taken any concrete measures to address the salary dispute or provide alternative mechanisms to ensure regular payments. The Kurdish Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs Pshtewan Sadiq expressed concern to Shafaq News over the federal government's decision to withhold salaries during a major religious occasion, adding, 'This decision is unconstitutional and unlawful. I do not believe any government in the world would do such a thing on a holiday.' Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Leader Masoud Barzani condemned the salary cutoff, linking the move to 'past atrocities committed against the Kurdish people.' 'The will of the Kurdish people is stronger than any injustice or attempt to erase them,' he said. Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani also voiced these concerns, affirming that the Kurdish leadership will intensify efforts to remove all obstacles 'and pursue every path toward resolving this major crisis.' The salary crisis in the Kurdistan Region began in June 2014, when payments became irregular and subject to significant deductions. The situation has continued despite the appreciation of the dinar against the US dollar and persistently high market prices, compounding the financial burden on public servants.
Shafaq News
4 hours ago
- Shafaq News
600 MW added: Turkish power line officially activated
Shafaq News/ The Turkish-Iraqi power line became officially operational on Friday, supplying 600 megawatts to northern Iraq to ease pressure on the national grid amid peak summer demand. According to a source in the Northern Electricity Directorate, the line is now supplying electricity to Nineveh, Kirkuk, Saladin, and parts of Diyala, based on load plans set by the Ministry of Electricity. The source described the activation as a 'notable advancement in Iraq's energy import strategy, expected to alleviate strain on the local network.' Economic expert Abbas Hammadi welcomed the move but urged broader reforms. While the new line provides 'immediate support,' he stressed the importance of boosting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports. 'Stable electricity is essential for economic growth, attracting investment, and easing hardship for citizens,' he said. Hammadi also called for investments in grid infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy to secure long-term sustainability. The Turkish power link is considered a strategic project that the Ministry of Electricity has worked on for years to diversify energy sources and enhance supply stability.
