The U.S. Consulate General in Erbil on Thursday welcomed the expansion of 24/7 electricity to two million residents.
“We’re proud to see U.S. companies like GEVernova supporting Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s energy security,” the U.S Consulate General in Erbil posted on X.
Read More: KRG Expands 24/7 Electricity Access Under Runaki Project
“Expanding 24/7 electricity through the Runaki (light) project to 2M residents is a vital step forward for the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.”
“This is an important recognition from a key partner,” Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, responded on X. “Thank you to our U.S. partners for backing the KRG’s energy sector and 24-hour electricity programme.”
In April 2025, GE Vernova announced that its AGP XPAND upgrade helped boost the Bazyan power plant boost 9E.03 turbine output—serving 1.5 million homes with more reliable energy.
“GE Vernova can be considered the driving force behind Kurdistan’s energy sector, as it holds the majority share of power plant turbines. GE-manufactured turbines are installed in the Chamchamal, Bazian, Erbil, and Duhok power plants,” Kojin Ahmed, who holds a BSc in Petroleum Engineering and an MA in Oil and Gas Management, told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“GE Vernova will also support local companies such as Qaiwan and Mass Group through training, capacity building, enhanced technical support, and the provision of necessary spare parts, as part of a long-term agreement signed between GE and Kurdistani companies.”
Read More: 2 Million KRG Citizens Now Enjoy 24/7 Electricity: PM
Prime Minister Barzani on Wednesday announced on X that two million people across the Kurdistan Region now enjoy 24-hour electricity through the KRG’s Runaki initiative, adding that it will reach every home and business by the end of 2026.
“Runaki is the KRG’s initiative to provide round-the-clock power and reduce reliance on diesel generators,” a member of the Runaki team earlier told Kurdistan Chronicle.
“The goal is to complete coverage of all city centers by the end of 2025, and extend to surrounding areas by the end of 2026. Nearly 1,300 private generators have been shut down due to the expanded grid coverage. The project addresses long-standing dependence on costly and polluting private generators,” the official concluded.
Prime Minister Barzani first announced the Runaki program in October 2024. According to the Runaki website, all major city centers, including Halabja, will enjoy 24-hour access by the end of 2025.
