Baghdad – Chinese energy giant Shanghai Electric plans to add more than 1,200 megawatts to Iraq’s electricity network before peak summer demand arrives. Iraqi officials hope the expansion will reduce power shortages during the hottest months of the year. The new projects mark another major step in strengthening the country’s aging energy infrastructure through the Iraq power grid expansion plan.
Company representatives announced that several gas-fired power plants will begin operating during the summer of 2026. These facilities are expected to provide immediate support to Iraq’s national electricity system as consumption rises sharply across the country.
Ahmed Abdel-Latif Al-Amin, the company’s regional director, said current projects remain focused on completing new gas power units. Officials estimate these projects alone will contribute nearly 1,000 megawatts to the national grid. Iraq continues to struggle with electricity shortages despite years of investment and rising energy demand.
Shanghai Electric is also managing rehabilitation work at the Hartha and Wasit power stations. The Hartha facility will add another 220 megawatts after upgrades finish later this year. Meanwhile, the Wasit station is expected to operate at its full design capacity of 2,520 megawatts.
Beyond traditional energy production, the company has started developing Iraq’s first waste-to-energy facilities. The Nahrawan project in Baghdad will begin implementation of equipment and engineering work in the middle of this year. Officials describe the project as a major environmental and energy milestone for Iraq.
The Nahrawan plant will process nearly 5,000 tons of waste every day to generate around 110 megawatts of electricity. Authorities believe the project can reduce pollution while supporting electricity production at the same time. Plans already exist to expand similar projects into Basra, Nineveh, and Abu Ghraib.
The broader strategy extends far beyond the summer season. Iraqi officials and Shanghai Electric aim to complete additional contracts capable of generating another 4,000 megawatts by late 2028. Long-term plans target nearly 5,000 megawatts from Shanghai Electric projects by 2030.
Energy experts say the Iraq power grid expansion effort could help stabilize electricity supplies and support industrial growth. Iraq has faced chronic electricity shortages for years due to outdated infrastructure, rising population growth, and seasonal demand spikes. Summer temperatures often place severe pressure on the country’s energy network.
Officials believe combining gas-fired stations with waste-to-energy technology could improve both energy security and environmental conditions. The government also hopes foreign investment partnerships will accelerate infrastructure modernization across the country. For Baghdad, the Iraq power grid expansion strategy remains essential for improving daily life and supporting economic development.