Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib stated that the government prioritizes the electricity interconnection project with Saudi Arabia as part of its efforts to diversify energy sources.
In an interview with Asharq News in Washington, Wahib stated that Iraq’s electricity grid now has a shortage ranging between 35,000 and 40,000 megawatts.
Baghdad is working to diversify its electricity sources through regional interconnection projects. Wahib said that Iraq has a 600-megawatt interconnection project with Turkey and approximately 500 megawatts with Jordan, in addition to a 600-megawatt interconnection project with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) grid, which is still underway.
The electrical interconnection project with Saudi Arabia, projected to have a capacity of 1,000 to 2,000 megawatts, has not yet entered the execution phase. However, it has become a priority for the Iraqi government, according to Wahib.
The project includes the construction of transmission lines and power stations to import electricity from Saudi Arabia. The minister stated that the government is serious about enhancing interconnection capabilities and diversifying energy sources with neighboring countries.
Wahib noted that the project is expected to be included in the 2027 budget.
