Iraqi Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadhil has announced a historic milestone in the country‘s electricity production, reaching 27,000 megawatts for the first time.
In a statement, the Ministry of Electricity highlighted that this achievement marks an unprecedented increase in power generation rates.
“The power system and its stations have recorded production levels never before achieved,” the statement read.
The increase is attributed to intensive and meticulous work on routine and emergency maintenance programs, which have successfully harnessed previously untapped generative capacities from operational units.
The ministry has been working on clear and specific programs since the end of last summer, setting realistic goals that have allowed it to meet challenges and achieve a 3,000-megawatt increase compared to the same period last summer.
Iraq has faced chronic electricity shortages since 1990, following United Nations (UN) sanctions.
The situation worsened after 2003, leading to prolonged power outages and a heavy reliance on small and private generators by residents.
The country also depends on gas imports from Iran to power electricity stations in central and southern provinces.
The Iraqi government has allocated 5 trillion dinars (about $3.826 billion) to enhance the military’s capabilities and weaponry.
This budget includes 3 trillion dinars ($2.295 billion) specifically earmarked in this year’s budget to modernize and strengthen the armaments of various branches of the armed forces, according to the German Press Agency.
During the inauguration ceremony of the new Air Defense Command Operations Center, Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the commanders and officers who played a pivotal role in completing and operating the centre.
