Iraq is approaching the final stages of a major regional electricity project designed to strengthen the country’s power network. The Iraqi Electricity Ministry announced that the Gulf interconnection project has reached 94% completion. Iraq Gulf power connection project plans now focus on delivering 500 megawatts to the national grid during the first operational phase.
Officials believe the additional electricity will help reduce pressure on Iraq’s struggling energy system, especially during the high-demand summer season. The project forms part of Iraq’s wider strategy to improve electricity stability and diversify energy sources through regional partnerships.
The Gulf Cooperation Council countries signed the project’s implementation agreement with Iraq in October 2024. Under the deal, Iraq is expected to receive around 3.94 terawatt-hours of electricity every year. Authorities also expect the imported electricity to cost less than some forms of domestic power generation.
Despite significant progress, the project has experienced delays since work began. Officials initially planned to complete the project by the end of 2025. However, construction and technical challenges pushed the launch date beyond the original deadline, and authorities have not yet announced a revised completion schedule.
The Electricity Ministry confirmed that construction work inside Iraq has advanced considerably over recent months. Engineering teams completed all concrete foundations required for the transmission towers along the Iraqi section of the route. Workers also installed 112 out of the planned 221 transmission towers needed for the project.
In addition, technical crews completed 73 kilometers of power line wiring across the Iraqi network section. Teams also finished 63 kilometers of Optical Ground Wire communications cable, known as OPGW, which supports communication and monitoring systems connected to the electricity network.
Iraq Gulf power connection project operations also include ongoing work on a 400-kilovolt transmission line linking Kuwait’s Al-Wafra power station to Iraq’s Al-Faw converter station in Basra province. Technical teams from the South Electricity Transmission Company continue construction and installation work along the route.
The interconnection line extends approximately 285 kilometers in total. Around 76.7 kilometers of the route pass through Iraqi territory, beginning near the Safwan border crossing and continuing toward the Al-Faw station in southern Iraq.
The Iraqi government describes the project as one of its strategic energy initiatives aimed at improving grid stability. Iraq continues to face electricity shortages due to growing demand, aging infrastructure, and fuel supply issues. During summer months, power consumption rises sharply as temperatures climb across the country.
Officials believe regional electricity cooperation can help Iraq reduce outages and improve service reliability for homes and businesses. Iraq Gulf power connection project development also reflects Baghdad’s effort to deepen energy ties with neighboring Gulf countries.
Energy experts say regional interconnection systems can provide backup support during emergencies and help balance electricity demand between countries. Iraqi authorities also hope the project will encourage further investment in the national energy sector.
Although the project missed its original deadline, the government remains optimistic about its long-term benefits. Once operational, the Gulf power link could become a major source of support for Iraq’s national grid and future energy planning.