Continuous State Power Supply in Iraq's Kurdistan Region During Daytime
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has launched Project Runaki, an initiative aimed at providing round-the-clock, state-provided electricity to the autonomous Kurdistan region in Iraq. The project, which began in 2024, has already made significant strides, with more than 30% of the region’s population—approximately two million people—enjoying 24-hour electricity in major cities such as Irbil (also known as Erbil), Duhok, and Sulaimaniyah [1][2][3].
**Current Progress**
The initiative has made a substantial impact on the region, with approximately 30% of the region’s 7,000 private generators having been decommissioned. This transition away from costly and polluting private generators is estimated to cut nearly 400,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually [1][2][3].
**Future Plans**
The KRG aims to extend 24-hour state electricity to all areas of the Kurdistan region by the end of 2026 [1][2][3]. By the end of 2025, city centers of Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja are expected to receive full-day electricity from the national grid [5].
Residents in the Kurdistan region are already reaping the benefits of cleaner, more affordable, and uninterrupted electricity. The project is set to expand these benefits to the entire region. The KRG has introduced "smart" meters as part of Project Runaki, which are aimed at curbing electricity theft and promoting responsible usage [1][2][3].
While bills in the Kurdistan region will still depend on consumption, they are likely to increase during peak summer and winter months. However, the project offers a cheaper alternative to the combined cost of grid power and private generator fees in the Kurdistan region [1][2][3].
Project Runaki is seen as a significant step towards improving living standards, economic stability, and environmental sustainability in Kurdistan. The project's success hinges on the introduction of "smart" meters to curb electricity theft and a new tariff system to promote responsible usage. The project is expected to continue making a positive impact on the lives of millions in the Kurdistan region.
[1] https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/53601-Kurdistan-region-electrifies-30-of-population-with-24-hour-power [2] https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/2025/02/15/kurdistan-region-provides-24-hour-electricity-to-more-than-30-percent-of-population [3] https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/53601-kurdistan-region-electrifies-30-of-population-with-24-hour-power [4] https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/2025/02/15/kurdistan-region-provides-24-hour-electricity-to-more-than-30-percent-of-population [5] https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/53601-kurdistan-region-electrifies-30-of-population-with-24-hour-power
- The success of Project Runaki in Kurdistan could pave the way for similar initiatives in other regions, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions from private generators in the mid-east industry by a significant amount.
- The KRG's investment in environmental-science, through projects like Project Runaki, could have far-reaching implications for climate-change mitigation efforts, especially in regions where access to reliable electricity is lacking.
- With the implementation of smart meters, the KRG's Project Runaki is not just about providing energy, but also about fostering a culture of responsible usage in art and finance sectors, where efficient energy consumption can lead to cost savings and reduced carbon footprint.
- As part of Project Runaki's expansion, the KRG is also planning to invest in clean energy sources, such as wind and solar, which could boost the region's energy industry and contribute to a sustainable future for the Kurdistan region.
- News outlets have been reporting on the positive impact of Project Runaki, highlighting its potential to revolutionize not just the energy landscape, but also the cultural and economic landscape of the Kurdistan region.
