11 December 2013 - 20:30
Iran to export further 500MW electricity to Iraq

Iranian Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian says the Islamic Republic will raise its electricity exports to its western neighbor, Iraq, under agreements inked between the two countries.

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - “The first outcome of these accords is the increase of electricity exports by 500 megawatts (MW) in addition to previous agreements reached with the country,” Chitchian told reporters following a cabinet session in Tehran on Wednesday.

 He added, “The agreements we have reached with Iraq are about the two issues of more electricity exports and the expansion of activities of Iranian companies in the country.”

 Iran is currently exchanging electricity with Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 The Iranian Energy Ministry says electricity exports to neighboring states have exceeded 1,800 MW as the Islamic Republic is helping its neighbors cope with chronic electricity shortages and regular blackouts.

 The total volume of Iran's electricity exports to Iraq, Turkey, Armenia, Afghanistan and Pakistan amounted to 1,850 MW on Tuesday, while the total volume of imports from Armenia and Turkmenistan reached 234 MW.

 Iran's power swaps with neighboring countries also showed a positive balance of 1,382 MW.

/106