China discusses setting up 10 energy projects in Iraq
The flags of China and Iraq.
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The commercial advisor at the Chinese embassy in Baghdad, Chi Chun, stated that discussions are underway to set up 10 energy projects in central and southern Iraq.
Chun indicated that Chinese companies built several power plants in Iraq, confirming that power plants constructed by Chinese companies in Iraq together produce 6,200 megawatts, according to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
The Chinese official elaborated that the Chinese government encourages Chinese companies, including Power China and other companies working in Iraq, to participate in the construction of power plants in Iraq.
Chun clarified that a solution to the electricity problem in Iraq should not be limited to setting up new power plants but should also include fixing the national grid.
The Chinese official added that the efficiency of electric power transmission can only be improved by repairing the existing electric transmission network.
Iraq witnesses daily power outages that may last up to 10 hours, but things worsen during the scorching summer when the temperature reaches 50 degrees Celsius.
The main reason behind the frequent power outages in Iraq is the deterioration of the infrastructure, which has not been renovated for decades due to conflicts, corruption and mismanagement.
Although Iraq is an oil-rich country, power plants in Iraq depend heavily on gas imported from Iran, which repeatedly cuts off supplies, according to AFP.
Some Iraqis resort to electricity generators, which are sometimes not sufficient to secure daily needs such as operating air conditioners.
To tackle the issue, power plants in Iraq need to produce 32,000 megawatts per day, but electricity production sometimes reaches 26,000 megawatts, according to Iraqi officials.