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Facts of Iraqi Electricity:
Iraq has one of the largest electrical networks in the region. Pre-1990 Gulf War levels were 10,000 MW, owning 10% of the generation capacity in the region. There were 120 powers generating units, consisting of thermal, gas turbine and hydro power stations. In 1990, the electricity demand was about 7,500 MW.
 
Most of Iraq’s power plants were damaged or completely destroyed during the 1991 Gulf War. After 1991, only 50 units of the original 120 were back on line, with a generation capacity of 2,325 MW. From 1991, to the start of Oil-for-Food Programme in 1996, Iraqi managed to repair many of the damaged units, either with available spares or by cannibalizing damaged units. The generation level rose from 2,325 MW to about 4,800 MW
 
Between 1998 and 2003, several power generating units were rehabilitated and new gas turbine units were added to the national grid under a UNDP administered OIP programme. However, the available 5,800 MW capacity from the electricity power generating units in 2003 was still far less than the installed capacity. The down rating of the plants is largely attributable to inadequate and incomplete maintenance and forced prolonged operation.
 
The 2003 conflict made the situation worst with the system coming down completely due to operational considerations. CoE immediately started after the war bringing units back on line, and repairing transmission lines and substation damaged during the conflict, or looted/ sabotaged after the end of the war. CPA with the help of Bechtel procured critical assets that helped in CoE recovery in the last three months. Currently close to 3,250 MW is being feed into the grid.
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