Iraq Conductor Supply

Iraq: Thermal Power Plant – Conductor Supply
Project Overview
Owner: Ministry of Electricity (MoE)
Project Name: Khabat Thermal Power Plant, 300MW, Erbil
Key Deliverable:
Shield Wire 132 kV Transmission Line Conductor: 626-AL 1, 91×2.96 mm
Project Update
Khabat Thermal Power Plant Boosts Electricity Output in Kurdistan Region
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has announced a 10% increase in daily electricity output following the activation of the second segment of the Khabat Thermal Power Plant in Erbil. The plant, officially inaugurated by KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday, now operates at full capacity, producing 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
A Strategic Milestone for Energy Security
The Khabat Thermal Power Plant, a $564 million project, represents a significant step toward addressing the chronic electricity shortages that have plagued the Kurdistan Region and Iraq for decades. Prime Minister Barzani described the project as “strategic for the Kurdistan Region,” emphasizing its importance in improving energy infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for electricity.
The project, initiated during the tenure of the previous KRG cabinet, was completed despite numerous challenges, including the fight against ISIS, Erbil-Baghdad disputes over oil and budget, economic crises, and the influx of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Advanced Technology and Increased Efficiency
The Khabat Thermal Power Plant utilizes advanced technology to enhance production capabilities and reduce maintenance costs. Former Deputy Electricity Minister Hogir Shalo highlighted that the plant is the first of its kind in the region to employ such cutting-edge technology. When operating at full capacity, it is expected to extend daily electricity supply by 1.5 to 2 hours for residents.
Addressing Electricity Shortages
The Kurdistan Region currently operates 14 power plants, including the Khabat facility, with a combined output of over 3,000 MW. However, the region requires more than 5,000 MW to provide 24-hour electricity to its residents. Electricity theft and excessive consumption have further exacerbated power shortages.
In 2018, the KRG introduced new electric meters to curb theft and monitor usage, but enforcement has been inconsistent. The government has also approved a proposal to privatize the electricity sector, which could significantly reduce losses and improve service delivery.
A Collaborative Effort
The Khabat Thermal Power Plant project was made possible through a partnership between the KRG, the Korea National Oil Corporation, and POSCO, a South Korean steel-making company. The agreement, signed in August 2012, initially stipulated a 36-month completion timeline, but delays due to regional crises extended the project’s duration.
The successful commissioning of the Khabat Thermal Power Plant marks a critical milestone in the Kurdistan Region’s efforts to enhance energy security and improve the quality of life for its residents. The supply of high-quality 132 kV transmission line conductors has been instrumental in ensuring the plant’s reliable operation, underscoring the importance of robust infrastructure in addressing long-standing energy challenges.