Sema
The KRG’s Electricity Minister said output has reached 8,189 megawatts, with 1,000 more to join the national grid early next year. The U.S. Consul General hailed electricity as “paramount” for economic growth and energy independence in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
In a significant step toward addressing long-standing electricity shortages and bolstering economic growth, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced a major expansion of its energy production capacity during a ceremony in Sulaimani on Sunday.
Speaking at the signing ceremony between ONEX Taurus and the American company GE Vernova, Kamal Muhammad, the KRG’s Minister of Electricity, declared that electricity production in the Kurdistan Region has now reached 8,189 megawatts. He added that by early next year, an additional 1,000 megawatts will be added to the national grid, serving both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
Reflecting on the region’s progress, Muhammad stated, “Many times there have been complaints against the Kurdistan Regional Government that in the past 33 years it hasn’t been able to solve the electricity shortage problem. Until 2005, we only had two hydroelectric stations, Dukan and Darbandikhan, producing at best 200 megawatts. Today, thanks to partnerships like that with GE Vernova, we have 8,189 megawatts available, with GE Vernova contributing 5,250 megawatts, accounting for 64% of the region’s power production.”
The minister emphasized that cooperation with American firms like GE Vernova has been critical in rebuilding and modernizing the region’s electricity infrastructure.
He further explained that while production capacity has grown significantly, a major challenge remains the shortage of fuel. Until 2005, the Kurdistan Region had no liquid gas supply for electricity production; today, it produces more than 650 million cubic feet.
Muhammad also revealed that an additional project underway at the Khor Mor Gas Field aims to increase gas production by 250 million standard cubic feet per day. Scheduled for completion by the first quarter of 2026, this project is expected to inject over 1,200 megawatts into the national grid, further benefiting both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The importance of the initiative was underlined by U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner, who praised the partnership between ONEX Taurus and GE Vernova.
Delivering a speech at the singing ceremony, the U.S. Consul General stated, “Electricity is the paramount ingredient for economic growth and for the Kurdistan Region’s and Iraq’s energy independence.” “Currently, GE turbines generate 90% of the electricity in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, and today marks another milestone in our partnership,” he added.
Bitner emphasized that through investments and technology sharing, US companies are helping drive the Kurdistan Region’s development. “Partnerships like these ensure that power plants can generate the electricity necessary for 24/7 access, not only powering homes and businesses but also building deeper economic ties between the Kurdistan Region and the rest of Iraq,” he noted.
Beyond energy, Bitner pointed to the broader commercial ties between the United States and the Kurdistan Region, highlighting the visible presence of US companies and franchises across Sulaimani and beyond.
“Today’s event showcases the longstanding commercial relationship between our nations, and we look forward to expanding these opportunities in the years ahead,” he concluded.
The ceremony marks a pivotal moment in the Kurdistan Region’s efforts to achieve sustainable energy independence and economic resilience, reaffirming its strategic partnerships with global industry leaders and solidifying its role as a vital contributor to Iraq’s national grid.