Iraq has reached an agreement to double its electricity imports from Turkiye, increasing the supply to 600 megawatts (MW), as reported by the Iraqi state news agency on Sunday. This move follows confirmation by Turkiye's Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, who is currently in Baghdad for talks.
The agreement will boost the energy supply from the interconnection line, marking a significant step in Iraq’s energy diversification efforts. Turkiye resumed electricity exports to Iraq last year after a three-year hiatus.
This agreement comes on the heels of the U.S. revoking a waiver that allowed Iraq to import electricity from Iran, part of the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign. In response, Iraq is seeking alternative sources of energy, including options from the Gulf, to reduce its dependence on Iran.
During his visit, Bayraktar met with key Iraqi officials, including Foreign Minister Fuad Hussain, Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail, and Electricity Minister Ziyad Ali Fazil. Bayraktar emphasized the importance of enhancing electricity interconnection and exploring renewable energy investments.
The ministers also discussed regional developments affecting both countries and the energy sector. Bayraktar stressed the importance of the $17 billion Development Road Project, which aims to improve infrastructure and connect Asia and Europe via Iraq and Turkiye.
Bayraktar will meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al Sudani and visit the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani during his trip.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
