Iraq Electrical Power Infrastructure - Past, Present and Future Developments and Expectations

This paper reviews the history of the Iraqi electrical power system and presents the on-going enhancements to improve the infrastructure. The electrical network has passed through three distinct phases. The first phase was a period of rapid development, expansion and achievement, culminating in one of the best electrical power networks in the Middle East. The second phase started in 1990, but was marred by military operations and sanctions, during which the electricity network suffered substantial damage, neglect and poor maintenance. The decline in revenue allocation led to very little system development and asset replacement, resulting in a significant decline in standards and quality procedures. As a result of the war in 2003, the electricity network also suffered damage due to mass looting and vandalism. The last phase covers the ongoing rehabilitation of the Iraqi electricity infrastructure