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By John Lee.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has said that its Runaki (Light) project is making significant progress toward delivering 24-hour electricity to the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

One of the initiative's key milestones is the planned decommissioning of approximately 7,000 private diesel generators, which have long been a major source of environmental pollution. So far, 1,260 generators have been shut down, including 1,092 in Erbil, 79 in Slemani, and 89 in Duhok, representing 17 percent of the total.

The shutdown is projected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 240,000 tonnes per year, the equivalent of removing 250,000 vehicles from circulation. Upon full implementation by 2026, the project will eliminate 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, a 4-percent reduction in the Region's overall carbon footprint.

Full statement from the KRG:

Runaki Project to Shut Down 7,000 Private Generators Across the Kurdistan Region

The Runaki (Light) Project is a national initiative by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), aimed at providing 24-hour electricity across the entire Kurdistan Region by the end of 2026.

One of the project's most significant achievements is the shutdown of approximately 7,000 private diesel generators throughout the region.

These generators were a major source of environmental pollution in the Kurdistan Region. Key data from this phase of the Runaki Project are outlined below:

1. A total of 1,260 private generators have been decommissioned across the region: 1,092 in Erbil, 79 in Slemani, and 89 in Duhok.
2. ⁠This figure represents 17% of all private generators previously operating in the Kurdistan Region.
3. ⁠The shutdown of these generators is estimated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 240,000 tonnes per year-equivalent to removing approximately 250,000 vehicles from the roads.

Environmental Impact of Deactivating Private Generators Under the Runaki Project by 2026:

1. ⁠By the end of 2026, the project will have fully phased out private generators, resulting in an estimated annual reduction of 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
2. ⁠This reduction is equivalent to removing 1.3 million vehicles from the roads.
3. ⁠The initiative will contribute to a 4% decrease in overall carbon dioxide emissions in the Kurdistan Region.

Implementation Approach:

1. The Runaki Project has established agreements with private generator owners to deactivate their generators, limiting their use to emergency backup only.
2. ⁠As a result, over 1 million public electricity consumers now enjoy uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply provided directly by the project.
3. ⁠Throughout the duration of the project, private generator owners have consistently received their agreed monthly compensation.

Categories of Generators Decommissioned Under the Runaki Project:

1. Private generators serving residential areas
2. ⁠Generators owned by individual households
3. ⁠Generators powering commercial establishments, including hotels and restaurants
4. ⁠Generators located in public areas, such as parks

Financial Benefits:

1. ⁠80% of citizens now pay less than they previously did for a combination of private generator and public electricity services.
2. ⁠In the past, low-income households spent up to 30% of their monthly income on private generator costs.
3. ⁠Now, citizens are billed solely based on their actual electricity usage.

Health and Environmental Benefits of the Runaki Project:

1. ⁠The project reduces harmful emissions by shutting down residential private generators, significantly cutting the release of carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and other toxic gases.
2. ⁠It prevents soil and water contamination by ending the improper disposal of wastewater and used oil.
3. ⁠It conserves approximately 1 million square metres of water annually that was previously used to cool private generators.
4. ⁠It reduces noise pollution by removing generators that operated at noise levels 50% to 100% above acceptable standards.

(Source: KRG)

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC):

IBBC Holds Successful Spring Conference at the Mansion House

IBBC hosted over 250 members, businesses and government officials for its 13th Mansion House conference on 2-3 June. IBBC President Baroness Nicholson welcomed the delegates, in particular the Ministers and official government guests from Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil H.E. Hayan Abdul Ghani Al Sawad, and H.E. Mohammed Al Darraji, the Prime Minister's representative.

H.E. Hayan Abdul Ghani Al Sawad, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil

From the UK side, Mr Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance, and Sir Nicholas Lyons, the Lord Mayor's representative, attended. Lord Howell delivered an insightful speech on global challenges, democracy, and future strategy, while Lord Green spoke at the reception the previous evening. Mr Mohammed Al Asaadi of Hammurabi Law and IBBC Member Representative in Iraq, and Mr Sardar Bebany, Chairman of Sardar Group and IBBC Executive Committee Member, also addressed the gathering. Christophe Michels, Managing Director of IBBC, chaired the conference.

H.E. Mohammed Al Darraji, the Prime Minister's representative

We are grateful to our sponsors: Sardar Group, EMAAL, Hogan Lovells, Trade Bank of Iraq, Al Zaman Group, Al Rida Investments, and 1001 Media and travel partner - London Sky.

Throughout the day, panels addressed a broad range of topics including geopolitics, finance, investment, banking reform, energy, growth and diversification, and heritage. Roundtables were held on education, the women's group, finance, and the tech forum.

The special Rasmi Al Jabri Award was presented to Ismail, founder of Al Busttan, a close friend of Rasmi and a founding figure of IBBC in Iraq. The award recognises exemplary Anglo-Iraqi collaboration and business growth.

Mr Ismael Shakir, Managing Director, Al Busttan receiving Rasmi Al Jabri Award

Christophe Michels closed the conference by thanking delegates and announcing the next IBBC conference will take place in Basra on 4 December.

Conference Themes

The conference panels addressed key issues and opportunities, with an overall tone that was optimistic and forward-looking, reflecting Iraq's growing political and economic stability, and a renewed sense of prosperity and diplomatic engagement.

H.E. Minister Al Sawad outlined significant progress: from gas capture and electricity generation to fertiliser and chemical production. He noted contracts with BP for integrated production in Kirkuk, and with Total for energy and water systems in Basra. A carbon reduction company is being established to monitor emissions. There is also a focus on replacing sweet water with desalinated water in Basra, and boosting local production to reduce imports.

H.E. Mr Al Darraji reaffirmed Iraq's balanced regional role, commitment to stability, democratic governance, reduction of armed non-state actors, and a stable exchange rate. The Government is pushing to diversify the economy beyond energy, launching carbon bonds, and attracting FDI with sovereign guarantees. Iraq's economy is healthy, with a GDP-to-debt ratio of just 10%, improved laws for foreign investors, and new contracts, such as a £1.1bn sewage deal with the UK. The diaspora in the UK is encouraged to invest in Iraq.

Tim Reid, CEO of UKEF, highlighted the UK's support, with £8bn available in 2024 from a total budget of £80bn. He underlined UKEF's role in enabling certainty for UK companies and their partners. Projects in Iraq include stormwater and sanitation for 20,000 people, and £100m invested in British fire trucks to improve urban safety.

Ms Zara Murad Griffiss shared her ambition to represent Iraq in dressage at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. To qualify, she needs to raise £1m. IBBC is proud to support one of the few Iraqi women aiming to compete at this level.

Ms Zara Murad Griffiss, International Equestrian

Mr Bebany of Sardar Group explained that their operations are anchored around Toyota and JLR, employing over 4,000 staff, and emphasised the company's investment in staff development.

Mr Al Asaadi of Sama Hammurabi Law expressed honour in representing IBBC members, pledging continued legal and institutional support for business.

Lord Howell, drawing on his recent book The Edge of Anarchy, delivered a powerful analysis of geopolitical risks, urging renewed national resilience and civic preparedness. He called for strategic reinvention, greater public engagement, financial literacy, and a strengthened parliamentary system-suggesting compulsory voting and proposing Iraq join the Commonwealth.

Keynote Address: The Rt Hon Lord Howell of Guildford

Geopolitics Panel

Chaired by Jon Wilks, the panel included Dr Lina Khatib (Harvard), who noted Iraq's positive regional engagement and a shift towards Arab-led leadership. Prof Gareth Stansfield (Exeter University) and David Hunt (FCDO) added depth on regional dynamics and Iraq's evolving role.

Energy Panel

Zaid Elyaseri (BP Iraq) spoke of increased investment in Kirkuk and Rumaila, integrating oil, gas, and water for more sustainable operations, with 94% local staffing. Dunia Chalabi (Total) described Total's integrated Basra system using solar power, desalinated water, and gas capture. Sultan Al Maliki (BGC) detailed LPG exports, local energy generation, and community support via the AMAR Foundation. Sara Akbar (Oilserve) argued for closer Iraq-Kuwait cooperation and pointed to regulatory hurdles for domestic companies.

Session 1: Energy

Dr Luay Al Khatteeb, chairing the session, noted that subsidies distort energy usage and that crypto mining is adding pressure to electricity demand.

Diversification and Growth

Prof Frank Gunter noted that while oil accounts for 90% of revenue, it provides only 2% of jobs. With youth underemployment at 80%, the private sector, improved banking, and credit access are critical. Steve Alexander (Sardar) called for simplified procurement, better credit access, and talent development. Mohsen Khairaldin Garcia (1001) highlighted IP theft as a barrier to Iraq's creative economy. Abir Burhan (Al Burhan) discussed the growing need for high-quality housing. Dr Ali Altaiee (Iraq 24 / EMAAL) announced Iraq's first business summit and called for SME support and legal harmonisation across ministries.

Session 2: Growth and Diversification

Banking and Finance

Chaired by Ardil Salem (Hogan Lovells), the banking reform panel included Ezzeldin Yousef (Central Bank), Dr Salahuddin Al Hadeethi (Ministry of Finance), and Dr Salih Salman (PM's advisor). Mr Salem also chaired the financing panel with contributions from Ali Al Awad (Al Rida Investments), Raed Hanna (Mutal Finance), Joseph Chakra (UKEF), Bilal Al Sugheyer (IFC), and Taiseer Mohammed (Trade Bank of Iraq).

Session 3: Banking Reform and Change

Education and Heritage

The Education roundtable drew strong interest. Chaired by Prof Dr Kossay Al Ahmady, the Iraqi cultural attaché, and Prof Mohammed Al Uzri, the session covered scholarships and training, with contributions from Oxford (Somerville College, Life Sciences, Islamic Centre), Newcastle, Liverpool, Exeter and others.

The Women's Group, led by Ghadeer Haider, discussed women's leadership in business.

Women's Group roundtable discussion

The Heritage Panel, chaired by Prof Al Uzri, heard from Dr William Deadman (Durham), Richard Wilding (RGS), Dr Mary Shepperson (BISI), and Dr Rosalind Haddon and Maysoon Al Damluji, on urgent efforts to document and protect Iraq's historic structures. A campaign to raise awareness among Iraqis of their heritage was proposed.

Mr Richard Wilding, Royal Geographical Society speaking during Heritage Session 1

Christophe Michels closed the event by thanking all sponsors and staff and confirmed that the next IBBC conference will be held in Basra on 4 December.

By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadel, has overseen the signing of a new contract with Turkish company Alifrin to double the capacity of the Iraq-Turkey electricity interconnection line from 300 to 600 megawatts.

Under the agreement, the first phase will see the supply of 300 MW via the Jazira-Kesk 400kV line in Nineveh province, with full capacity expected within a month. The Ministry has already completed all required technical preparations, including stations and transmission lines.

The project will directly enhance electricity supply to northern regions and provides strategic benefits by linking Iraq's grid with the European energy network, of which Turkey is a key member.

Importantly, the agreement adopts a "Take and Pay" model, meaning Iraq will pay only for consumed power-offering financial flexibility and avoiding waste.

This initiative is part of the Ministry's broader strategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on a single supply channel, while strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries and the EU.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) has announced more than 135 ready-to-offer investment opportunities across key economic sectors as part of its preparations for the Iraq Investment Forum 2025, scheduled for 14-15 June.

The NIC has held a series of intensive coordination meetings with provincial investment commissions to review and validate the legal and technical readiness of the investment licences associated with the listed opportunities.

The opportunities span critical sectors such as:

• Electricity
• Oil
• Telecommunications
• Housing
• Free Zones
• Transport
• Youth and Sports

Huda Aidan, Director General of the Economic and Technical Department at the NIC, said all projects have been vetted for legal compliance and ownership approvals, making them fully eligible for allocation and immediate investment.

The forum is also expected to mark the launch of several strategic projects in the industrial, agricultural, and tourism sectors. It is positioned as a milestone event in attracting foreign direct investment and mobilising domestic capital, in line with Iraq's Vision 2030 for Sustainable Development.

(Source: NIC)

By John Lee.

Japan's Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, has reportedly reaffirmed his country's support for Iraq, announcing over $21 billion in economic cooperation projects since 2003.

Speaking at the signing ceremony of a new agreement between the Iraq Development Fund and the Japan Cooperation Center for the Middle East (JCCME), he emphasized Japan's ongoing commitment to improving Iraq's investment climate and attracting foreign companies.

According to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the ambassador noted that Japan has been the top donor to Iraq in recent years, primarily via yen loans supporting infrastructure in electricity, water, sanitation, and oil. He highlighted the role of JCCME over the past decade in bridging Japanese companies with opportunities in Iraq through business seminars, sector-focused delegations, and training for Iraqi officials in Japan.

He added that the six priority sectors identified by the Iraq Development Fund-education, agriculture, housing, digital transformation, manufacturing and food security, and environment-are aligned with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani's government priorities and match areas of Japanese expertise.

(Source: INA)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Council of Ministers has approved direct contracting with Turkiye's Karpowership Group to enhance electricity supply during the high-demand summer period.

The contracts will add 650 megawatts through the deployment of power ship.

In a parallel move, the Cabinet also approved the launch of a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU) project for the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG). The FSRU will supply the Bismayah Power Plant with 750 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, bolstering generation capacity.

These measures are part of the government's broader efforts to address electricity shortages during peak consumption and improve national energy infrastructure.

(Source: PMO)

By Ahmed Mousa Jiyad. Any opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Petroleum Sector in A New AI-based Iraqi National Memory Project

A group of dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) specialists and professionals are enthusiastically racing against time and actively working on a first of its kind major mission: Iraqi National Memory Project (INMP). It is a national initiative to preserve and digitize over a century of historical, political, economic, and cultural documents, among others, by using AI tools and facilities.

INMP is a collaborative effort between the NewsSocial^[1], which is a UK-registered cooperative society building a next-generation platform for collaborative intelligence, memory, and AI-enabled public infrastructure, and the Mushtarek Platform of Iraq, where it plays a key role in the INMP.^[2]

Currently, INMP is in the formation and testing phase, the formal launching of the project is scheduled for the end of the year.

The first public activity during this experimental phase was about petroleum sector in Iraq; the backbone of the Iraqi economy. The Mushtarek Platform called for and convened a meeting using Zoom facility on Friday, 9 May 2025.^[3]

A brief introduction to the event was delivered by Ms. Bayda Hamed, Editor of the INMP and the moderator of the event, followed by my presentation linking Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle (IPSC) with INMP, then Dr. Ali Al-Assam, Director at NewsSocial, outlined in a concise way what, how and why AI facilities are used for this project. The moderator starts the session for comments, Q & A and debate until the end of the event.

In my PowerPoint participation I reiterated my emphatic support for INMP and highlighted the strong links and synergies between this initiative and my own database, which I have been working on it for nearly three decades.

My major research and publishing work is documented through a series of books, published under unified title- Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle (IPSC); six volumes are already published, covering the period up to end 2015, and new volumes are in the pipeline, covering the period from 2016 onwards.

All IPSC books rest on three pillars: Database, Connectivity & Networking, and Research Methodology.

• Large, wide, detailed, well organised and continuously updated database. Roughly, 80% of the database is related to Iraqi issues and topics, 70% of which are on the sector-wide petroleum. Each year has its own "master annual file-MAF", which in turn feeds into numerous "thematic or specific" files. These MAFs and the thematic files are the core of IPSC project books. There are 15 MAFs up to and including this year.
• Connectivity & Networking. Broad network of contacts and resources comprising two main categories- Outbox and Inbox. The outbox comprises more than 2500 contacts emails divided over ca. 84 mailing lists, sharing with them my articles, commentaries, research work and notes on my books. These are reposted by more than ten websites and by good number of others' social networks and groups. Moreover, for the inbox, I have subscription in many national and international sources such as organisations, government entities, research institutions, think-tanks, and media among others. Inputs from such networking are important source of information, data and analyses.
• Elaborated research methodology. A detailed document outlines the main principles and the research methodology of IPSC books.

All my IPSC books have unified main title, i.e., Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle, but differ in number of volumes, the covered period and the sub-title. All the published books have similar structure of contents.

So far six books have been published covering the period up to end 2015. Books covering 2016 onwards are in the pipeline and forthcoming.

First book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle

Book Sub-title: Grand Opening for Big Push Strategy, Volume 1, 2010 & Earlier

Published October 2021

Second book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle

Book Sub-title: A Game Changer No More, Volume 2, 2011

Published May 2022

Third Book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle

Sub-title: Reality Seldom Coincides with Expectations, Volume 3, 2012

Published November 2022

Fourth book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle

Sub-title: Contracts Amendments in the Making, Volume 4, 2013

Published April 2023

Fifth book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle-

Book Sub-title: Convergence of Threats and Challenges, Volume 5, 2014

Published August 2023

Sixth book

Book title: Iraq Petroleum Sector Chronicle

Sub-title: Predicaments Continued, Development Derailed-Volume 6, 2015

Published January 2025

Part four in each IPSC book is for data and statistics and has many sections. The sixth book has ten sections, and some data goes back to 2005:

Section 1- Oil Production and its Fiscal Aspects 

Section 2- Oil Export, Revenues and Prices                      

Section 3- Refining Sector: Capacities, Location and P-D Misalignment         

Section 4- Associated Gas: Production and Flaring                     

Section 5- Oil Supplies to Domestic Refining Sector                    

Section 6- Iraqi Oil Exports Market Destinations           

Section 7- Oil Supplied for Electricity Generation

Section 8- Development Fund for Iraq- DFI                                 

Section 9: Oil and Annual State Budget Laws

Section 10: Oil and Gas in Iraqi Kurdistan Region 

This part has 67 tables and 38 charts. Selected charts representing the main development in the petroleum sector were presented.

I concluded my presentation by emphasising my unwavering support for INMP and call others, particularly the young generation of professionals, to follow suit.

The event lasted more than two hours and was attended by relatively good number of interested individuals, mostly oil and economic professionals among others.^[4]

 

Endnotes

[1] For more information on NewsSocial write to: [email protected] or visit www.newssocial.co.uk

[2] More on Oil related sub-group: https://www.mushtarek.org/groups/679b938b7fd0bd55baff8b70/posts/post/679b98d77fd0bd55baff91c2

[3] https://www.mushtarek.org/groups/5d7defbe7c64690015a46b09/posts/post/68076b09a6cf68a6170c0b98

[4] The full record of the meeting, including my PowerPoint, is accessible through the following link:  https://www.youtube.com/live/7dAyA07HGO8

 

Click here to read the full article in pdf format.

Mr Jiyad is an independent development consultant, scholar and Associate with the former Centre for Global Energy Studies (CGES), London. He was formerly a senior economist with the Iraq National Oil Company and Iraq's Ministry of Oil, Chief Expert for the Council of Ministers, Director at the Ministry of Trade, and International Specialist with UN organizations in Uganda, Sudan and Jordan. He is now based in Norway (Email: mou-jiya(at)online.no, Skype ID: Ahmed Mousa Jiyad). Read more of Mr Jiyad's biography here.

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Council of Ministers has approved key measures to advance major solar energy projects, reinforcing the country's push toward clean and sustainable power generation.

• Firstly, the cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Electricity and US-based UGT Renewables for the development of an integrated solar power project. The Ministries of Planning and Finance are tasked with aligning the project with national development priorities and allocating the necessary funding. The Minister of Electricity has been granted full authority to proceed with implementation.
• Secondly, the Council endorsed the Ministerial Council for Energy's recommendation on pricing and development costs for the 1000 MW Artawi Solar Power Plant, to be developed with France's TotalEnergies. The project is recognised as a strategic component of Iraq's clean energy agenda. The Ministry of Oil has been instructed to fulfil its payment obligations under the power purchase agreements, and the Director General of the State Company for Southern Electricity Production is authorised to sign the contract addendum with the French energy firm.

These approvals mark a significant step in diversifying Iraq's energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels.

(Source: PMO)

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has officially launched construction on the New Sadr City project in Baghdad.

The project covers 4,000 dunams [400 hectares; 1,000 acres] between the Al-Maamel area and the edge of the existing Sadr City. It will feature 60,000 housing units of various sizes, fully integrated with public services including roads, sanitation, potable water, electricity, and telecommunications.

The city will be structured into 3 sectors, 12 districts, and 52 neighbourhoods, with a central commercial and service hub.

The Prime Minister described the development as a pioneering economic model for Iraq: the government will first implement full infrastructure works, after which private sector developers will construct the residential units. This integrated model is designed to replace substandard, informally developed suburbs and offer high-quality alternatives to residents.

In April, the contract for infrastructure and roads covering 11,000 housing units was awarded to China's state-owned Shandong Hi-Speed Group [Shandong Gaosu Group], with a 1,200-day timeline for completion. According to the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the firm was selected through a competitive process based on strict technical and financial criteria.

Al-Sudani clarified that contrary to public misconceptions, the project does not involve demolishing existing neighbourhoods. Instead, it aims to connect and upgrade old and new urban areas with modern planning and services.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that housing is a top government priority. He confirmed that work has started on 8 of the 16 new cities approved under the current government programme, and that informal housing residents will be offered viable alternatives.

(Source: PMO)

By John Lee.

Rwanga Foundation has unveiled plans for the Kulak Solar Village, Iraq's first fully off-grid, solar-powered community. Located southeast of Erbil, the pilot village will include 32 homes and house nearly 200 residents, serving as a model for rural climate resilience and energy self-sufficiency in one of the world's most climate-vulnerable regions.

Entirely powered by solar energy, the community will feature 24/7 electricity, solar irrigation systems, and training in regenerative agriculture. The project responds to intensifying environmental pressures in Iraqi Kurdistan, including desertification and extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C.

Idris Nechirvan Barzani, Founder and President of the Foundation, described the initiative as "a bold vision for a different future," turning Iraq's environmental vulnerability into a platform for sustainable innovation.

The village forms part of the Foundation's wider Green Kurdistan campaign, which has planted over 200,000 trees since 2020, and its Empowering Sustainable Livelihoods programme that supports cooperative farming and training.

Rwanga aims to have the Kulak Solar Village fully operational by the end of 2025, with plans to replicate the model across Kurdistan and central Iraq by 2030 in collaboration with regional authorities and international partners.

(Source: Rwanga Foundation)