Kurdistan’s “Runaki” Project Reaches 68% Completion in Duhok's City Center
Hazem Mohammed, Deputy General Director of Electricity in Duhok Province, said the project has so far reached 30 neighborhoods in Duhok city over the past five months, effectively replacing 310 private diesel generators.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The “Runaki” electricity project continues to transform power access across the Kurdistan Region, with Duhok witnessing significant progress as over two-thirds of the city now benefits from 24-hour electricity, according to local officials.
Hazem Mohammed, Deputy General Director of Electricity in Duhok Province, said the project has so far reached 30 neighborhoods in Duhok city over the past five months, effectively replacing 310 private diesel generators. The fourth phase of the project has now begun, covering an additional 14 neighborhoods—bringing the total completion to 68% within the city center.
"Before the end of this year, the Runaki electricity project will reach all areas and homes in central Duhok," Mohammed said, adding that the initiative has been widely welcomed by residents.
Launched by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani in October 2024, the Runaki Project aims to provide round-the-clock, affordable, and cleaner electricity to every household and commercial establishment in the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.
According to the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) Ministry of Electricity, over 2.7 million people—roughly 40% of the Region’s population—are now benefiting from uninterrupted power under the Runaki initiative. Cities like Erbil, Sulaimani, and Duhok have seen the most rapid transitions.
One of the major impacts of the project has been the shutdown of more than 2,517 neighborhood diesel generators to date. The KRG plans to decommission over 7,000 such generators by the end of 2026, significantly reducing pollution and energy costs.
In addition to expanded access, the government has introduced a progressive tariff system aimed at protecting low-income households and encouraging responsible energy use. Under the new scheme, 80% of subscribers are now paying less than they previously spent on diesel generators and national grid electricity combined.
By the end of 2025, all major urban centers in the Kurdistan Region, including Halabja, are expected to be fully integrated into the Runaki system, achieving one of the region’s most ambitious infrastructure milestones in decades.
