KRG PM promotes energy efficiency during inaguration of new power plant

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region on Sunday inaugurated a new power plant worth 63 million dollars in an effort to meet a growing demand for energy.

The plant, set up by the National Oil Company of Korea, has a capacity of 400/132 kV and is located in the town of Bazian in the Sulaimani Province.

Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani, in a press conference at the opening ceremony, said the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) hopes the project will help mitigate energy shortages plaguing the region. 

Barzani acknowledged the already existing issues with electricity distribution but noted the government had acted to help the energy sector meet demands despite economic challenges facing the region.

He also added that the KRG would install a new smart metering system, which will, in turn, contribute to the rationing of electricity consumption. He called on media outlets to help raise awareness for energy efficiency and promote a culture of mindful electricity use in Kurdistan.

The Kurdistan Region has nine power stations with a total capacity of 2700 MW at maximum output. However, demand growth has outpaced available supply which has slacked mainly due to the 2014 financial crisis; the work of several power stations had been suspended as gasoline supplies to companies were irregular.

The Kurdistan Region, though faring better than the rest of Iraq, has had to supplement the shortcomings of the national system with locally installed generators with limited capacity, not designed to handle high-wattage usage.

On the same day as the opening ceremony, however, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi sacked his Minister of Electricity and ordered an investigation into the inadequate supply and distribution of power in the country which has resulted in growing unrest in central and southern provinces of Iraq.

Editing by Nadia Riva