Iraq Seeks To Boost Power Generation

Over the next five years Iraq plans to add 50,000 megawatts to the country's power grid, according to the Iraqi Electricity Ministry.

In a Saturday statement, ministry spokesman Ahmad al-Abadi said Iraqi authorities will add 5,000-6,000 megawatts next year to the electricity grid and establish new power transmission lines.

"Our five-year plan targets adding 50,000 megawatts to Iraq's electricity grid," al-Abadi said, without giving any details on the cost of the plan.

Iraq generates some 19,000-21,000 megawatts, but the actual need tops 30,000 megawatts, according to ministry officials.

For years, Baghdad has imported 1,200 megawatts of electricity from neighboring Iran to feed its local electric power plants.

Iraq is also holding talks with Saudi Arabia to import electricity by linking the Iraqi electricity grid with the Gulf grid.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara -