Runaki (Light) Project A Strategic Transition to Clean, Reliable Energy in the Kurdistan Region

Section 1: Executive Summary and Strategic Importance

 1.1 Executive Summary

The Runaki (“Light”) Project is one of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s most significant strategic initiatives to modernise the electricity sector, address environmental challenges, and improve quality of life across the Region. The project aims to deliver a stable, 24/7 national power supply while phasing out approximately 7,000 private diesel generators, which currently contribute heavily to air pollution, noise, and public health risks.

By replacing these generators with cleaner, more efficient electricity provision, the project is expected to avoid over 3.7 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, in addition to sharply reducing harmful pollutants such as PM2.5 and NO₂.

Runaki is therefore not only an energy initiative—it represents a broader reform effort, strengthening governance, enhancing environmental protection, and supporting a healthier, more modern society in the Kurdistan Region.

1.2 Strategic Importance:

The Runaki Project constitutes a core pillar of the Government’s reform programme. It advances economic development while ensuring environmental sustainability and public health protection. The project directly contributes to global commitments, including the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3 –        Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 7 –        Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 13 –        Climate Action

Key Expected Impacts and Benefits

Section 2: Institutional Framework and International Linkage

2.1 Government Leadership and Coordination

The Runaki Project was launched with the direct support and guidance of Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Its institutional structure is based on coordinated efforts between:

• Ministry of Electricity: Lead technical authority overseeing implementation and system reliability.
  
  
• Environment Protection and Improvement Board: Monitors air quality, emissions, and noise levels.
  
  
• Ministry of Planning: Ensures alignment with SDGs, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and national development strategies.

This coordinated framework ensures both technical precision and policy coherence.

2.2 Commitment to SDGs and Climate Policy

The Project contributes meaningfully to the Kurdistan Region’s commitments under global sustainability and climate action frameworks. Its focus on clean energy, reduced emissions, and improved public health situates Runaki as a model for regional climate resilience and responsible energy transition.

Section 3: Project Description and Operational Objectives

3.1 Implementation Phases:

Launched in October 2024, the Runaki Project aims to deliver round-the-clock national electricity to all citizens by the end of 2026. Key milestones include:

• End of 2025: Full coverage of major city centres.
  
  
• End of 2026: Coverage of all districts, sub-districts, and rural areas.

The Runaki Project officially began in October 2024. Its main objective is to provide a stable, 24/7 national electricity supply to all households and businesses by the end of 2026. The Project aims to first complete electricity coverage in city centres by the end of 2025, followed by full coverage of the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

3.2 Reliability and Power Quality Indicators:

To measure and improve power quality, the project employs internationally recognised reliability metrics:

• SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index): Measures total outage duration per customer.
  
  
• SAIDI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index): Measures number of outages per customer.

These indicators support continuous monitoring, investment planning, and transparency in service delivery.

3.3 Equity and Cost Structure:

A progressive tariff system is being introduced to reduce reliance on private generators and eliminate the need for dual subscriptions. Low-income households will benefit from targeted protections to ensure equitable access to reliable electricity.

Section 4: Quantitative Environmental and Climatic Benefits

4.1 Emissions Avoided Through Generator Phase-Out

Shutting down approximately 7,000 diesel generators will reduce multiple pollutants:

4.2 Climatic Benefits at the Regional Level

Reducing emissions will:

• Mitigate the Urban Heat Island (UHI)
  
  
• Improve resilience during heatwaves.
  
  
• Enhance overall climate adaptability in urban centres.

4.3 Soil and Water Protection:

Lower SO₂ and NOₓ levels help prevent acidification and contamination of soil and groundwater, improving long-term environmental stability.

Section 5: Health and Social Benefits

5.1 Reduced Premature Deaths and Disease Burden

Lower PM2.5 concentrations significantly improve public health outcomes:

5.2 Noise Reduction and Psychological Well-being

Average noise levels in many neighbourhoods will drop from 70–85 dB to ≈50 dB, contributing to:

• Reduced stress.
  
  
• Better sleep quality.
  
  
• Improved mental health and community well-being.

5.3 Strengthening Social Stability and Public Trust

Reliable electricity is strongly correlated with citizen satisfaction, reduced social tension, and increased institutional trust in public services.

Section 6: Economic Sustainability and Carbon Finance Opportunities

6.1 Stimulating Investment and Economic Growth

By ensuring stable electricity, the project will:

• Increase productivity in industrial and commercial sectors.
  
  
• Enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investment.
  
  
• Support creation of over 2,000 new jobs in power systems, renewable energy, and technical services.

 6.2 Carbon Credit Potential:

Runaki is well-positioned to generate carbon credits under international standards such as Verra VCS or Gold Standard, offering new revenue streams to finance further clean energy expansion.

6.3 Recommended Roadmap:

To realise this potential, the Government should establish:

• A specialised Carbon Credit Unit.
• A robust MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) system.
• Clear rules on ownership and management of credits.

 Section 7: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

7.1 Integrated (MRV) System

The project applies a comprehensive monitoring system:

• Environmental:5, NO₂ monitoring across cities.
• Technical: SAIDI/SAIFI metrics for grid performance.
• Health: Coordination with Ministry of Health on disease trends related to air quality.

7.2 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

 Section 8: Conclusions and Strategic Recommendations

8.1 Core Conclusions:

The Runaki Project represents a modern, fair, and sustainable transition away from diesel generators toward clean, reliable electricity. It strengthens public health, environmental protection, and economic growth, positioning the Kurdistan Region as a regional leader in clean energy reform.

Project Message:

“Runaki is a fair transition to clean energy—protecting citizens’ health, supporting economic development, and reinforcing the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to global climate action.”

8.2 Strategic Recommendations

• Adopt the Clean Energy Plan 2030.
• Expand smart meter deployment.
• Encourage private-sector and renewable energy investment.
• Establish a transparent digital platform for project metrics.