KRG electricity generation still far outstripped by demand

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday highlighted its focus on renewable energy as it said that it has boosted electricity production to 3,500 megawatts, but lack of fuel and water shortages means supply is far from meeting demand.

The current cabinet “has been able to increase electricity generation to 3,500 MW and several plants are using clean energy,” read a government statement. And the amount generated from clean sources has increased by 10 to 15 percent, providing power for 1.85 million customers.

The resource-rich Region actually has the capacity to produce more than 7,000 MW of electricity, “but since we don't have enough fuel for those stations and due to the financial crisis we were unable to utilize all the production [capacity],” Omed Ahmed, spokesperson for KRG’s electricity ministry, told Rudaw English on Saturday. 

With actual production at only half the capacity, it is far outstripped by demand, which varies by season. “We have exceeded 7,000 megawatts [demand] in winter and 5,500 to 5,700 megawatts in summers,” said Ahmed.

As part of its green energy record, the KRG said it has worked to develop hydropower generation at Dukan and Darbandikhan dams, but both sites are struggling with low water levels.

Kochar Jamal, director of Dukan Dam, told Rudaw in late August that just two of the dam’s five turbines were functioning, producing only 90 MW of electricity. The dam has the capacity to generate 400 MW.

The diminished generation means the national grid supplies only 12 to 13 hours of electricity daily, forcing people to pay for private generators or solar power. Residents often lament the poor electricity supply, especially in the brutally hot summer months when temperatures often surpass 50 degrees Celsius.

The KRG introduced a smart electricity system earlier this year, hoping to eliminate theft and waste that exacerbate shortages.