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By John Lee.

Ziad Ali Fadel, the Minister of Electricity, presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding for the second phase with the Japanese company Toyota [Toyota Tsusho], aimed at enhancing the networks and capabilities of electrical system.

The Japanese Ambassador to Iraq was also present at the signing ceremony.

According to the Ministry of Electricity, the agreement signifies a collaborative effort to develop Iraq's electrical infrastructure, demonstrating a commitment to improving the efficiency and reliability of the electricity grid.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity has held discussions with a delegation from the Emirati company AMEA Power, which specialises in renewable energies.

During the meeting, they reviewed the current status of Iraq's electrical system and the government's efforts to enhance service quality and reliability through strategic projects.

The Minister welcomed Emirati companies interested in operating in Iraq and investing in the electricity sector. He reiterated the government's commitment to providing support and facilities for Arab and foreign companies interested in investing in Iraq.

Both parties agreed to continue meetings and to sign a memorandum of understanding in the near future to strengthen cooperation between the Republic of Iraq and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the field of energy and the development of electrical infrastructure.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

A delegation from the Egyptian company Egytrafo, which specialises in manufacturing electrical transformers, met this week with Ziad Ali Fadel, the Iraqi  Minister of Electricity.

During the meeting, which was also attended by the Chargé d'Affaires of the Egyptian Embassy in Iraq, they discussed mutual cooperation between Iraq and Egypt, emphasizing the strong historical ties and the Ministry of Electricity's interest in tapping into the Egyptian market and activating partnerships to develop the electricity sector.

The Minister highlighted successful projects previously undertaken with Egyptian companies. He recalled a fruitful visit to Egypt alongside Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani, where significant energy-related matters were discussed. Discussions with the Egyptian Minister of Energy focused on addressing informal settlements, load management, meter installation, increasing production capacities, and the desire to synchronize successful experiences and create a joint file based on cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

Furthermore, the Minister listened to a comprehensive presentation from the Egyptian company's team regarding its history, transformer products, specifications, and marketing strategies in multiple countries. He affirmed the Ministry's openness to collaboration, especially with impending projects aimed at serving citizens. He emphasized that product adoption would be based on compliance with standards, competitive pricing, prompt delivery, and successful required inspections, directing the Investment and Contracts Department to study the company's profile and commercial and technical proposals for approval and competition.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC), in collaboration with the Municipality of Baghdad, Ministry of Electricity, and Ministry of Environment, has announced an investment opportunity to establish a Waste-to-Energy (WtE) power generation plant in Baghdad Governorate/Al-Nahrawan area.

Project Details:

• The project aims to generate power from mixed solid waste, estimated at around 3,000 tons per day.
• It emphasizes high efficiency with Grate Incineration Technology, starting from the fourth generation upwards.
• Key requirements include a power generation efficiency exceeding 30 percnt and a landfill rate below 5 percent.

Full statement from NIC:

Announcement of an International Investment Opportunity

Waste Energy Power Plant with High-Efficiency

Grate Incineration Technology (4th Generation Upwards)

(Design, Build, Own, and Operate- DBOO)

The National Investment Commission, in coordination and cooperation with the Municipality of Baghdad, the Ministry of Electricity, and the Ministry of Environment; announces an investment opportunity to establish a power generation station from mixed solid waste (WtE) according to the Investment Law No. (13 of 2006 amended) and the applicable instructions and valid decisions. The project will be held in the Baghdad Governorate/ Al-Nahrawanarea, on land No. (3/1/43626) under the following conditions:

1. The amount of mixed solid waste is estimated at about (3000) ton/day.
2. The generation of power from mixed solid waste must be with high-efficiency and grate incineration technology (fourth generation upwards), with an electrical power generation efficiency higher than 30% and a landfill rate less than 5%.
3. The advertisement period is (120) days, including 30 days for purchasing the investment portfolio; starting from Sunday 8th November 2023 till Tuesday 8th December 2023.
4. Investors and international companies willing to apply for the investment opportunity must come to the headquarters of the National Investment Commission to purchase the investment portfolio with the required conditions and specifications for an amount of (5) million Iraqi dinars, non-refundable. The "entry visa" will be granted to the company's authorized personnel after submitting an official request via Email:([email protected]).
5. For more information about the project contact the One-Stop Shop Department at the National Investment Commission on working days from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Baghdad time after 5th November 2023.
6. Investment offers must be delivered within a maximum period of (120) days starting from the date of the announcement to the bid receiving committee at the headquarters of the National Investment Commission. The deadline for receiving the investment offers is Monday 8th March 2024 at 12:00 pm (Baghdad time).
7. A conference will be held to answer all inquiries from investors and interested international companies at the National Investment Commission's headquarters two weeks before the closing date.
8. The National Investment Commission is not obligated to accept the lowest prices for it follows specific criteria in analyzing investment offers.
9. Bids will be opened after the offers' deadline(Tuesday 8th March 2024 (at the headquarter of the National Investment Commission.
For more information, Cell Phone: +9647721111541 or

Email: [email protected]

(Source: National Investment Commission)

By John Lee.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, is investing in Al-Douh Iraqi Company for Cement Industries ("Al Douh"), a leading cement manufacturer and part of Al-Riyadh Investment Companies Group (RICG).

According to a statement from the IFC, the decision was made to help boost economic diversification and spur sustainable growth in Iraq, while creating hundreds of jobs and bolstering reconstruction efforts. 

IFC is providing a financing package of up to $130 million in long-term debt to Al-Douh. The financing will enable Al Douh to expand its cement production capacity by 1.9 million tons per annum enabling the company to reach overall production of approximately 3.0 million tons of cement by the end of 2025. Of the total financing provided, up to $25 million will be mobilized from the Managed Co-lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), IFC's syndications platform for institutional investors. The company's expansion is expected to create more than 2,700 direct and indirect jobs, including along the cement value chain. 

IFC's funding will also promote the use of energy-efficient technologies in alignment with the Paris Agreement. The company is planning to install a new high thermal efficiency kiln, a new captive power plant using natural gas as a primary fuel rather than heavy fuel oil (HFO), and a new waste heat recovery for power generation system that will replace up to 30 percent of electricity generated by fossil fuel-based captive power plants. These will enable the project to meet the criteria outlined in the European Union taxonomy for sustainable cement clinker production. 

Sheikh Hatam Al-Khawam, Chairman of the Board of Al-Douh Iraqi Company for Cement Industries, said:

"We are very grateful for this partnership with the International Finance Corporation, and we thank them for their great efforts in completing this major and vital agreement. We look forward to building a long-term joint relationship in this project and subsequent projects."

IFC is also providing advisory services to Al-Douh, by deploying IFC's cement decarbonization tool to facilitate a decarbonization roadmap and help decrease its greenhouse gas footprint. Additionally, IFC is supporting the company in setting good governance and environmental, health, and safety standards.  

Ashruf Megahed, IFC's Regional Industry Head, Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services for the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, said:

"Growth and decarbonization can go hand in hand, as this investment highlights ... IFC's aim is to empower a key player in Iraq's private sector to take a leading role in the economy's diversification and reconstruction while supporting sustainable development."  

 Iraq's reconstruction needs are estimated at almost $90 billion, while the country's economy remains substantially dependent on oil revenues, making it vulnerable to oil price fluctuations. Iraq will also need a substantial $230 billion investment by 2040 to embark on a green growth path, according to the World Bank Group's Country Climate and Development Report, underscoring the need to decarbonize the industrial sector to achieve these goals. 

IFC has been a pivotal force in Iraq, channeling over $1.2 billion since 2005 to fuel the growth of its private sector. Its current committed portfolio stands at around $188 million, invested in dynamic sectors like energy, telecoms, and banking. Recent initiatives aim to fortify food security, help the country reduce gas flaring and associated GHG emissions, and modernize Umm Qasr, Iraq's largest port, to boost trade. 

IFC also signed an agreement in September 2023 to help develop the country's first airport public-private partnership project to modernize Baghdad International Airport.  

(Source: IFC)

By John Lee.

China's Huawei has organised a technical seminar at the Ministry of Electricity's headquarters, focused on digital transformation, the future of energy, and programs for protecting electrical systems.

The seminar was attended by the Director-General of the Technical Department, along with several specialists and advanced engineering and technical staff.

The participants provided a detailed explanation of the programs and advanced technologies employed by Huawei in communication systems and digital transformation. They elaborated on how modern digital technology contributes to achieving sustainability and creating smart communities aimed at development in the advanced world of technology, specifically in managing smart electrical systems.

The Minister emphasized the ministry's policy, highlighting the secure operation of the system, adherence to accurate scientific standards, and the analysis of technical issues to identify their root causes and prevent their recurrence.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has responded to a claim that large sums are being lost to corruption in Iraq as donors fail to track spending on post-war reconstruction.

According to an article in the British newspaper The Guardian:

"The alleged kickbacks are one of a number of claims of corruption and mismanagement the Guardian has uncovered in the Funding Facility for Stabilization, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) scheme launched in 2015 and backed by $1.5bn (£1.2bn) in support so far from 30 donors, including the UK."

In a statement (see below), the UNDP has emphasised that it has zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, adding:

"We take any allegations very seriously and are urgently looking into them. We will take appropriate and firm action should any of these allegations be substantiated ... UNDP welcomes scrutiny of our projects and programmes."

Full statement from UNDP:

In response to a recent Guardian UK article regarding the UNDP Iraq Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) would like to state the following:

We take any allegations very seriously and are urgently looking into them. We will take appropriate and firm action should any of these allegations be substantiated.

UNDP has zero tolerance for fraud and corruption, and this applies to all UNDP staff members, non-staff personnel, vendors, implementing partners and responsible parties.

But zero tolerance does not mean zero risk. UNDP has been transparent with our donors, partners and the public about the operational risks and challenges following years of conflict in Iraq.

Any allegation of bribery, corruption, or fraud is thoroughly assessed and, where appropriate, investigated by UNDP's independent Office of Audit and Investigation (OAI).

In cases where an OAI investigation substantiates evidence supporting allegations of misconduct, UNDP has a rigorous disciplinary process that enables it to take appropriate actions against perpetrators of fraud and corruption.

In the case of FFS, given the complexity and scale of the programme, and in line with best practices, UNDP implemented a series of additional monitoring measures beyond the standard protocols which include among others:

• In 2015, a specialized Operations Service Center was established for the FFS to manage complex procurement and operational cases, including providing due diligence and oversight.
• Since 2015, a dedicated M&E team has monitored impact and results of the FFS, undertaken physical verification of projects on the ground, and provided support to third-party monitoring missions, among other tasks.
• A dedicated OAI investigator is in place, attached to this project who thoroughly investigates all FFS allegations.
• Project audits have taken place every year for the period 2019-2022, covering more than US$1bn of expenditure on the FFS.
• OAI has also audited the operations of the Country Office as a whole in 2023.

All OAI's audits are publicly available on their website.

We are determined to take action on cases of wrongdoing. Over the last 8 years, OAI has processed more than 130 cases related to the FFS, brought to the attention of OAI by our own staff members and third parties, with prompt action taken by UNDP management in response.

UNDP welcomes scrutiny of our projects and programmes - as a public institution we are and should be held to account by our partners, by the public, and by the media.

In our work in Iraq and with the FFS, we have in place a rigorous set of measures to manage the risks inherent in working in such a challenging environment. We continue to strengthen these measures in close collaboration with our Independent Evaluation and Audit Offices.

We stand by our strong commitment to support the lives of millions of people in Iraq whilst maintaining the trust of everyone with whom we work.

What the FFS has achieved:

In 2015, at the request of the Government of Iraq and with the support of the international donor community, UNDP Iraq established the FFS to carry out a fast-tracked and accelerated program of reconstruction activities that have benefitted millions of Iraqi citizens to date.

The programme has enabled the return of almost five million out of six million Internally Displaced Persons, who might otherwise have remained stranded in IDP camps for years. Through the completion of more than 3,600 projects, Iraqi communities that host around 8.3 million people, now have access to restored basic services including schools, hospitals, water and electricity networks, housing and roads.

More information on reporting wrongdoing can be found at: https://www.undp.org/accountability/audit-and-investigations

(Sources: The Guardian, UNDP)

By John Lee.

Ziad Ali Fadel, Iraq's Minister of Electricity, chaired a strategic meeting with the Emirati company, Masdar, to move forward with the establishment of solar energy projects totaling 1,000 megawatts for the first phase.

The meeting was attended by several advisors and general directors.

The Minister stated that this meeting is a continuation of previous discussions where many obstacles were addressed, and solutions were found to complete the contracts and initiate implementation. Detailed and in-depth discussions took place to start the mechanisms of this important diversification in energy production.

The Minister explained that there are pivotal points to be resolved and recommendations to be submitted to the Ministerial Energy Council and the Cabinet. This includes amending some decisions in favor of signing the project, such as tax exemptions according to the Investment Law.

The head of the company's delegation expressed optimism about working with the Ministry, thanking them for the facilitations provided. The company is ready to proceed with the implementation, pending finalization of the loan agreement mechanism and the selection of the executing company. Responsibilities and commitments of relevant government entities, such as the Ministry of Finance and the National Investment Commission (NIC), will be determined in accordance with Iraqi laws and regulations.

During the session, the financial and commercial model of the company was requested for study purposes. Other topics discussed included the authorization for opening the account, the selection of the technical consulting entity for the project, and discussions on the implementation, connection, and power purchase agreements. The meeting addressed longstanding issues that have been unresolved for years.

In 2021, Masdar agreed to build five solar power stations in Iraq.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) has hosted a joint meeting with the Ministries of Industry and Minerals and Electricity to discuss the technical proposal for establishing a turbine maintenance workshop.

The proposal was presented by the French engineering company "Warmer" [IBN believes it to be Wamar Engineering], along with its Iraqi partner, Al-Waqd for Contracting and Services.

The meeting, chaired by the Commission's Economic and Institutional Development Advisor, Zafar Taqi, and attended by Dr. Mona Al-Jaberi, the Commission's Renewable Energy Consultant, and representatives from the two ministries, included a technical presentation on the workshop's operations.

According to a statement from the Commission, this workshop marks the first of its kind in Iraq, encompassing maintenance of turbines used in various sectors such as electricity, oil, aviation, and more. It adds:

"The discussion emphasized the significance of establishing such workshops, positioning Iraq as a regional leader in this field. The workshop aims to maintain all operational turbines using modern technology and engineering expertise, facilitating quicker and more efficient turbine maintenance within Iraq.

"This initiative is expected to reduce reliance on foreign currencies, provide job opportunities for the youth, and train them in modern technologies within this vital sector."

(Source: NIC)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi government's "Ur" electronic portal, has successfully expanded its e-government services, offering 708 services, of which 352 are electronic and 356 are paper-based.

Government spokesman, Haider Majid, also told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that the portal has more than 2.3 million registered users.

He said Ur includes 6,358 governmental websites representing 68 institutions, providing services in various sectors such as education, justice, law, complaints, loans, finances, transportation, infrastructure, housing, citizenship, youth and sports, culture, electricity, water, agriculture, irrigation, retirement, health, and electronic information systems.

Additionally, the portal offers an advisory service accessible at the number 5599 to inquire about the services available. The advisory service operates from 8 AM to 12 PM.

Regarding the cancellation of paper-based issuance, Majid reported that 4,203,795 documents have been cancelled and replaced with electronic versions. The cancellation system involves 81 key entities, including ministries, provinces, presidential authorities, unions, and various agencies.

In terms of private sector services, the portal features a company registration service, aligning with the Prime Minister's directives for public-private partnerships and future national data center plans. Majid emphasized plans for collaboration with the private sector and the establishment of electronic services.

(Source: INA)