Iraq, Turkey sign electricity cooperation agreements: ministry
Electricity towers and transmission lines.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Iraq has agreed with Turkey on multi-level mechanisms of cooperation in the field of electricity, the Iraqi electricity ministry said
The agreements were reached during a recent visit by an Iraqi government delegation, led by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, to Turkey, according to a statement by the ministry.
The areas of cooperation include participation by Turkish companies in the upgrade of gas-powered electricity stations in Iraq, partnership with the Turkish side for the manufacturing of electricity pylons, and proceeding with electricity linkage with Turkey for the import of 300 megawatts s a first phase through a power line extending to the Iraqi city of Mosul, said the statement.
Iraq had used to import electricity from Iran, but the Iraqi ministry said in July that Iran cut off electricity supplies (1000 megawatts) due to growing debts on Iraq. According to the Iraqi ministry, Iraq produces 15700 megawatts of electricity, but needs more than 23000 megawatts per hour to ensure nonstop supply to residents and institutions
The supply cut exacerbated electricity outages in central and southern Iraqi provinces, prompting protests against poor services and a decision by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to dismiss former electricity minister Qassem al-Fahdawi.