World Power Plants

Badush Dam170 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewableVerified: Feb 2026

Ranking as the 10th largest hydro power generation facility in Iraq, the Badush Dam stands out with its capacity of 170 MW, contributing a modest 0.29% of the national electricity supply. Commissioned in 1990, this facility plays an essential role in the regional energy landscape, particularly given Iraq's energy profile dominated by gas power. With a total of 104 operational plants across the country, Badush Dam's output is crucial, especially in a country where hydro resources are less utilized compared to fossil fuels. The facility's location near the Tigris River enhances its significance, as it harnesses the river's flow to generate clean energy. In the vicinity of Badush, the energy landscape is diverse, with the Al-Shemal oil plant boasting a capacity of 2100 MW, along with other significant players such as the Mosul Dam (1052 MW) and the Mosul 1 Power Station (750 MW). These nearby facilities, primarily fueled by oil and hydro, highlight the contrasting energy sources in the region, where hydroelectric power remains underrepresented despite its potential. Badush Dam's relatively smaller capacity is a reminder of the need for further development in the hydro sector, particularly as Iraq looks to diversify its energy portfolio. As Iraq continues to face challenges regarding energy supply and sustainability, the Badush Dam serves not only as a power generator but also as a symbol of potential growth in the hydroelectric sector. The operator's commitment to maintaining and optimizing this facility is crucial, particularly in the context of increasing demand for clean energy solutions. With the national energy capacity averaging approximately 577 MW per plant, Badush Dam's output underscores its role in supporting local communities and contributing to the overall stability of the grid. Looking ahead, the continued operation and potential expansion of Badush Dam may serve as a pivotal element in Iraq's energy transition, aligning with global trends towards renewable energy and sustainability.

Capacity
170 MW
Commissioning Year
1990

36 years old

Owner
Ministry of Electricity, Iraq
Location
36.4667°, 42.9664°

Iraq, Asia

Context & rankings
  • 70. largest of 104 plants in Iraq
  • #7,968 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,639 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 0.29% of the installed capacity of Iraq
Age & fleet comparison

36 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

Ministry of Electricity, Iraq operates 9 plants totalling 5,544 MW

Regional density

19 plants within 100 km, 10,808 MW combined

Nearest plant: محطة كهرباء القبة (7.6 km)

Data provenance

Source: Wikidata

Location

Coordinates:: 36.466667, 42.966389
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Badush Dam is a hydro power plant producing approximately 596 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Iraq
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

IraqEnergy Profile

104
Total Plants
58.4 GW
Total Capacity
GasOilHydroSolar
Top Fuels

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