Upgrading Electricity in Iraq
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-4320
2003-074
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2003
As part of the U.S. government's overall reconstruction efforts in Iraq, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting the Coalition Provisional Authority's (CPA) effort to restore essential services to the country. A key component to this effort is the restoration and improvement of the electric power system, providing increased power generation for distribution to the population. Electricity restoration is key to the reestablishment of all facets of Iraqi society. However, looting and sabotage, as well as fuel shortages, are the two largest obstacles that hamper efforts.
The CPA and U.S government will reconstruct, repair, rehabilitate and upgrade the power system, including generation, transmission, and distribution. Of the $680 million expected to be allocated by USAID for its infrastructure contract, $229 million will be used for electric power rehabilitation. To date, $61.4 million has been allocated to rehab the turbine and control system at the Doura Power Station, rebuild water treatment centers at power plants throughout Iraq, purchase parts and equipment for transmission line repair work, and provide technical assistance.
Current generation capacity has been successfully restored to meet approximately 75 percent of pre-conflict levels. The current unsatisfied demand in Iraq for electric power is estimated to be 6000 Megawatts (MW), which exceeds pre-conflict generating levels of 4,400 MW. While great progress has been made in restoring generation, problems remain in power transmission. Looting of metal from cables and destruction of high-tension towers has slowed, yet it continues to be a challenge. The CPA and U.S. government continue to respond to these obstacles by repairing high-voltage transmission lines and rehabilitating power plants.
In April, electrical generation capacity was 1,275 MW, 29 percent of the pre-conflict level. Since that time electrical generation nationwide has nearly tripled. Generation capacity is targeted to reach 4,000 MW by the fall. Other objectives of the program include:
- Assisting the Iraqi Commission of Electricity in drafting and implementing policy reform; and
- Stabilizing, rebuilding and improving infrastructure, such as power plants and transmission lines.
Progress to date includes the following:
- Nation al electrical generation output is between 3,100 and 3,500 MW (approximately 75 percent of pre-war) output and Baghdad's consumption is at 1,120 MW (week of July 21, 2003);
- National energy and load-shedding policy approved by the Commission of Electricity, enabling more planned and equitable electricity usage by Iraqi citizens;
- After failing in late June, a key 400 Kilovolt (KV) line from Bayji to Baghdad was repaired and re-energized, enabling excess power from the north to be sent to Baghdad; and
- Providing independent power to Baghdad International Airport and Umm Qasr Seaport.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
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