Shafaq News- Basra
Basra province is facing growing pressure on electricitysupplies ahead of summer after domestic gas production dropped from 900 millioncubic feet to 350 million cubic feet, sharply reducing power generation acrosssouthern Iraq.
Governor Asaad Al-Eidani told Shafaq News on Sunday thatlocal authorities are working to improve electricity distribution and manageloads during the coming months. “The current crisis is linked to the lack ofimported gas, in addition to lower volumes of gas produced from fields andassociated gas.”
The governor noted that the Gulf electricity interconnectionproject is expected to enter service in August, alongside the return of asuspended power barge generating 350 megawatts. Additionally, Italian energycompany Eni is expected to add 250 megawatts, while another 250 megawatts fromsolar energy projects could enter service in July. He also pointed to ongoingefforts to resolve the gas supply issue with Iran, emphasizing thatcoordination between the local and federal governments would help overcome thecurrent energy crisis.
Earlier today, Iraq’s new Electricity Minister Ali Wahibpledged to work on “effective solutions” to the country’s long-standingelectricity supply crisis during a speech marking the official start of hisduties at the ministry.
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