Kurdistan Region’s Runaki Project has successfully shut down 1,260 private generators across three provinces, representing 17% of total generators regionwide. The environmental impact equals removing 250,000 cars from roads, marking significant progress toward 24-hour electricity coverage by 2026.
Environmental Benefits Drive Generator Elimination Program
The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Media and Information Office announced that 1,260 generators have been decommissioned following implementation of the RunakiProject across the region. This achievement represents 17% of the estimated 7,000 total generators operating throughout Kurdistan Region.
The breakdown by province shows Erbil leading with 1,092 decommissioned generators, followed by Duhok with 89 units, and Sulaymaniyah with 79 generators shut down. These numbers reflect the prioritized rollout of 24-hour electricity service to central districts of major cities first.
According to government officials, eliminating these 1,260 generators produces environmental benefits equivalent to removing 250,000 automobiles from Kurdistan’s roads. The reduction in air pollution directly impacts public health by decreasing harmful emissions in densely populated urban areas.
The Runaki Project has established contracts with generator owners to cease operations, with generators serving only as backup power sources. Importantly, generator owners continue receiving monthly financial compensation for their cooperation in the transition program.
By the end of 2026, officials project the environmental impact will equal removing 1.3 million vehicles from roads. This dramatic reduction will decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 4% across Kurdistan Region, contributing significantly to regional air quality improvement.
24-Hour Power Coverage Expands Across Kurdistan
The Runaki Project represents Kurdistan Regional Government’s most ambitious infrastructure initiative, aiming to provide continuous 24-hour electricity coverage to all areas by late 2026. The project addresses decades of power shortages that forced residents and businesses to rely on expensive, polluting private generators.
Current progress shows steady expansion beyond initial urban centers. By month’s end, approximately two million Kurdistan residents will receive uninterrupted electricity service. This milestone demonstrates the project’s accelerating implementation across diverse geographical areas.
The systematic approach involves gradually extending coverage from city centers to suburban and rural areas. As each new district receives 24-hour power, local generators become redundant and are systematically decommissioned through the compensation program.
Project officials emphasize the dual benefits of reliable electricity and environmental protection. The elimination of diesel-powered generators reduces noise pollution in residential areas while cutting harmful emissions that previously contributed to poor air quality in major cities.
The financial model ensures generator owners aren’t penalized for supporting the transition. Monthly payments acknowledge their previous role in meeting electricity demand while encouraging participation in the environmental cleanup effort.
This comprehensive approach positions Kurdistan Region as a regional leader in sustainable energy transition, demonstrating how government investment in reliable infrastructure can simultaneously address economic development and environmental protection goals.
