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From Tasnim, under a Creative Commons licence. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Iran's oil minister and the electricity minister of Iraq emphasized the need for enhancing bilateral ties in the field of energy.

Iraq's visiting Minister of Energy Ziad Ali Fazel held talks with Iran's Minister of Oil Javad Owji in Tehran, stressing the need to strengthen mutual cooperation in the field of energy, especially the export of gas from Iran to Iraq.

The two sides discussed a host of issues including the development of bilateral ties in the fields of gas and oil byproducts, joint investment and export of technical and engineering services from Iran to Iraq and also implementation of common projects.

Iraq's Deputy Minister of Electricity Adil Karim accompanied the minister of electricity in his visit to Tehran to participate in the inaugural ceremony of the 23rd edition of the Iran International Electricity Exhibition (IEE).

The exhibition was inaugurated on November 14 and will run through November 17.

Owji met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Sia' Al-Sudani in Baghdad in April to discuss the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of energy.

During that visit to Baghdad, Iranian and Iraqi oil ministers inked a memorandum of understanding (Mou) for the development of oil, gas and petrochemical projects.

By John Lee.

The United States has reportedly issued a new waiver allowing Iraq to pay Iran for electricity.

According to Reuters, the waiver lasts for 120 days.

While not directly confirming the waiver, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told a press briefing on Tuesday:

"So I don't have a comment to give on the expiration of the waiver at this time. But I would remind you of a few things with respect to these waivers in general, and that is that, number one, there are 20 waivers that have been issued for the payment from Iraq for Iranian electricity imports. They go back to 2018; they started during the Trump administration.

"All - in each of these waivers, it has been the case that none of this money goes to Iran. It is held in accounts that are restricted where they can only be used to pay for food, medicine, humanitarian purposes, and other non-sanctionable activities. And it has been consistent with several policies that we have - one, to try to reduce Iran's leverage over Iraq, and two, to try to wean Iraq from Iranian energy independence. We've had a number of policies we've worked with to try to ensure their energy independence, but in the meantime, they continue to buy Iranian electricity. And so we have in the past, as has the Trump administration, issued waivers to allow these funds to move to restricted accounts, or as I said, that can be used for humanitarian and other non-sanctionable purposes."

(Sources: US State Dept, Reuters)

By John Lee.

(Source: Ministry of Finance)

By John Lee.

Turkmenistan will supply Iraq with 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year for five years, according to a deal agreed in Ashgabat on Wednesday.

The gas will be transported via Iran in what state-run Turkmengaz describes as a swap scheme.

Iraq's Ministry of Electricity confirms the meeting, but makes no mention of volumes or duration.

Full statement from Turkmengaz:

"On Wednesday in Ashgabat, representatives of the State Concern Türkmengaz met with the delegation of the Republic of Iraq led by the Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel.

"During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the organization of supplies of Turkmen natural gas to Iraq under the SWAP scheme through the territory of the neighboring Islamic Republic of Iran.

"The legal, commercial, financial, and organizational conditions for future joint activities in the gas industry were also discussed in detail. As a result of the negotiations, a Protocol was signed on the main commercial terms of the agreement on the sale, purchase and sale of Turkmen natural gas to the Republic of Iraq. According to the protocol, for a period of 5 years, 9 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas will be transported annually through Iran to Iraq under the SWAP scheme.

"Earlier, in October of this year, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Concern "Turkmengas" and the Ministry of Electricity of the Republic of Iraq. Thus, Turkmenistan, which has huge reserves of natural gas, is consistently pursuing a policy of diversifying the supply of "blue" fuel to world markets. Turkmenistan's international proposals in the energy sector are being practically implemented in a number of large energy projects, including gas pipelines Turkmenistan-China, Turkmenistan-Iran, Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India, high-voltage power transmission lines from Turkmenistan to Iran and Afghanistan.

"Currently, among its promising partners, Ashgabat is considering a number of states from the Far, Middle and Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, which are showing great interest in effective interaction with Turkmenistan in the energy sector. Among them is the Republic of Iraq. It is important that over many years of cooperation with foreign states and companies, Turkmenistan has established itself as a responsible and reliable partner, carrying out joint activities based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, good neighborliness and openness."

(Source: Türkmengaz)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Oil Pipeline Company has successfully completed a project to extend a dry gas pipeline (16 inches in diameter) that supplies the Kirkuk Gas Power Station from the Khor Mor fields. The pipeline, with a length of 1,050 meters, was constructed in two phases and is expected to transport an additional 100 million cubic feet of gas per day, boosting electricity production.

Ali Abdul Kareem Al-Mousawi, the General Director of the Oil Pipeline Company, emphasized the company's commitment to implementing the directives of the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and the Minister of Oil to support projects related to the supply and transportation of oil products, benefiting electricity generation facilities in all provinces.

The new pipeline branches off from the main pipeline (Jamboor Station - North Gas Company) to provide gas to the Kirkuk Gas Power Station (Tazah Station). The project involved connecting the pipeline, installing three 16-inch valves, constructing a bridge on the main road (Kirkuk - Baghdad) spanning 60 meters, and other sub-bridges. Additionally, engineering inspections and thickness measurements of the new pipeline's path were carried out. Al-Mousawi commended the efforts of the national workforce in accomplishing vital projects.

The pipeline's implementation was coordinated with the Directorate of Electricity in Kirkuk, the North Gas Company, North Oil Company, the Directorate of Traffic, Roads, Bridges, and Communications to ensure the successful execution of the project.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [Doctors Without Borders] has handed over its medical activities in the Sinuni General Hospital to the Ninewa Directorate of Health.

Full text of statement from MSF:

MSF hands over medical activities at Sinuni General Hospital in Sinjar

Five years after our first efforts to restore people's access to medical services in Sinuni district, in Iraq's Ninewa governorate, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has handed over our medical activities in the Sinuni General Hospital to the Ninewa Directorate of Health and to another humanitarian organisation.

Located north of Mount Sinjar, in the northwest of Ninewa governorate, Sinuni town and the surrounding area came under the control of the Islamic State (IS) group from August to December 2014, when it was the scene of extreme acts of violence, mainly targeting the Yazidi community. Today, the people of Sinuni have come a long way on their journey towards recovery.

MSF teams started working at Sinuni General Hospital in August 2018.

"When we arrived, the hospital was only providing very basic services, with limited supplies and few medical or technical staff," says Baroj Hussein, MSF head of mission advisor in Iraq. "Even water and electricity supplies were not constantly available."

"We were warmly welcomed in Sinuni," says Hussein. "The community already knew us very well, as we were providing our medical services in displacement camps and informal settlements where people from the community had taken shelter in the Kurdistan region."

MSF's aim in Sinuni was to restore healthcare services for the local community and for people returning to the area. We started by fully rehabilitating the hospital building and putting in place everything the hospital needed to function smoothly. Next, our teams started providing emergency medical care, maternity care, and care for children and newborn babies.

Following the end of the battle to retake Sinjar district from the IS group, displaced people started returning to their homes. Having a fully functioning hospital in the area was an incentive for them to return.

"Displaced people became more confident in coming back home because MSF was there, at a time when no other maternity services were available," says Khalfa Ilyas, MSF midwife supervisor at Sinuni General Hospital.

Most former residents of Sinjar region chose to return to Sinuni town, because it was relatively undamaged and because security was restored there sooner than elsewhere in the region.

"When we first set foot in Sinuni in early 2018, the place felt like a ghost town, despite some people having returned there," says Hussein. "People rarely ventured out in public, and life seemed to have come to a standstill. People had nothing and could not access anything as businesses and services were not restored."

Many people from the Yazidi community suffered immense psychological trauma during the time the region was under IS control and while displaced. Recognising that people in Sinuni required more than just physical healing, MSF introduced comprehensive mental health services. By providing counselling, psychological support and psychiatric care, our teams addressed these invisible wounds.

These activities were carried out both in the hospital and within the community, with MSF health promotion teams raising awareness about mental healthcare and making sure that local people knew how to access these services.

During the 2022 COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our services by setting up a seven-bed isolation unit to treat patients with mild and moderate forms of the disease and to help stop the virus from spreading, while bringing in essential supplies.

"MSF entered the picture when the community had nothing," says Elias Musa Ali, a community member and former MSF watchman. "During the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when much-needed personal protective materials were scarce, MSF stepped in with vital supplies. The overall support MSF provided left an indelible mark on Sinuni."

Throughout their five years in Sinuni, MSF teams also focused on passing on their expertise, building capacity and investing in the training and professional development of local healthcare professionals.

(Source: MSF)

From the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC):

IBBC Autumn Conference in Dubai examines: 'Iraq - Building a sustainable future'.

For the first time in over 30 years, Iraq is currently experiencing a relatively golden scenario with high oil prices and government surpluses, a stable government, and peaceful borders. A stable economy is also leading to neighbouring countries like Saudi, UAE and Turkey starting to invest in infrastructure for the first time, such as the proposed dry canal route from Basra to Turkey, and the government is proposing large residential and refinery projects appealing to international companies like Shell , and countries like China in particular.

As with many economies, clouds loom on the horizon in the form of climate change, corruption, middle east conflicts and a dependency on maintaining oil value.  At the IBBC Dubai conference on the 7^th and 8^th of December, we will be looking at key areas of the Iraqi economy and seeking solutions for longer term sustainability and resilience in sectors including the economy, climate, business and security, with significant panels on Finance, Energy, Business and Infrastructure and, a whole day dedicated to Education, skills and training, now a Government priority to modernise Iraq and provide employment for the young growing population.

Delegates will hear from leading government ministers and envoys, including the H.E. Dr Thani Bi Ahmed Al Zeyoudi UAE Minister of state for foreign trade, Dr Mohammed Shukri Chair of Kurdistan board of investment, HE Mr Zyed Al Fadhil, Iraq Minister of Electricity, Dr Fareed Yasseen Iraq Climate change envoy. On the Energy panel Ms Dunia Chalabi CEO of Total, is discussing renewable and gas capture energy agreements with GE. The finance panel has the two largest banks in Iraq: Mr Al Delaimy CEO of TBI, Mr Choucair CEO of SC Bank and Mr AL- Sugheyer of IFC discuss various options for diversifying investment and sustainable sources of finance, the macro-opportunity for financing major infrastructure projects. Mr Al-Delaimy will talk about the challenges of the Iraqi banking systems, financial reforms in Iraq and the TBI's work with Global Export Credit Agencies. Mr Choucair is expected to build on this, discussing SCB and its relationships with UKEF, and the alternative forms of financing available to the Gov of Iraq - in particular, PPP financing for projects related to social impact and sustainability.

The Business Success panel celebrating AAA Holdings new fertilizer plant in Basra, Basra Gateway Terminal and Al Busttan oil production support for the IOCs.

Those delegates purchasing the 8^{th of} December conference at the Address Hotel, will also be able to attend the special education and skills conference 'building sustainable education in Iraq' run with GEMS, on 7^th in the Crown Plaza Dubai, with leading UK politician and former minister Lord Boetang opening, Dr Hazim Al-Zubaidi Director of Gov programmes Iraq, Prof Hamid Ahmed, Iraq PM advisor on Education. We will hear about vocational training, academic and business collaboration and Iraqi Scholarship programme, which are all on Iraq Government priorities and also of great interest to the private sector as it expands, and  as expert labour shortages need to be met to enable a modern, sustainable Iraq economy.

Of course, conferences aren't all about panels and speakers, but also to enjoy networking and friendship that goes on in the breaks and beyond the event. IBBC values the opportunity for members to meet speakers and others in supply chains more informally, so we not only cater for side meetings, but also hold a reception on the evening of 7^th at the Address Hotel for all ticket holders to meet. These also include our invaluable sponsors, who this year have exceeded expectations:

Principal sponsors include Al Busttan and AAA Holdings. Education Day Sponsor - GEMS. Gold sponsors - TBI and Sardar Group. Silver sponsor: Hydro-C. Reception sponsor - Basra Gateway Terminal. Partners include - Travel Partner - London Sky (with discounts) and Insurance Partner - Al Maseer.

Baroness Nicholson (President of IBBC and UK Government Trade envoy to Iraq) will welcome everyone to the conferences, and the British Ambassador to Iraq and other Iraqi officials are also expected to attend what is expected to be a sell out conference.

Details for registration and agenda here: https://iraqbritainbusiness.org/event/ibbc-dubai-autumn-conference  or [email protected]

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Cabinet has approved a recommendation1 of the Energy Council, to allow the Ministry of Electricity to invite specialized companies to implement a Smart Metering System in the country.

According to the statement from the Media Office of the Prime Minister, the process is also exempt them from the usual instructions regarding government contracts.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Oil Minister, Hayan Abdul Ghani, has announced the launch of the country's first project funded by carbon bonds.

The announcement was made during a workshop titled "Carbon Bonds," organized by the Ministry of Oil's Training and Development Department to discuss the ministry's vision and plans for carbon reduction.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Oil, the project marks the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and protecting the environment, aligning with Iraq's commitments. The ministry plans to finance these projects through carbon bonds.

A comprehensive working team has been established to manage carbon reduction efforts, including a central committee and subcommittees distributed across the ministry's companies. The government has empowered the Oil Minister to devise suitable mechanisms for these projects, including commercial and contractual arrangements with specialized companies.

Iraq's Midland Oil Company (MOC) becomes the first national company to adopt carbon bonds in the East Baghdad oil field. This initiative seeks to expand optimal gas investments in the central region and enhance Iraq's carbon bonds portfolio.

During the workshop, officials from the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Electricity highlighted their efforts in carbon reduction and sustainable development, emphasizing the adoption of renewable energy sources.

The Ministry of Oil's Training and Development Department provided insights into their environmental protection and emission reduction initiatives, showcasing the government's commitment in this area.

The workshop also covered Iraq's position in the climate negotiation delegation at COP28, and the ministry's achievements in carbon reduction, renewable energy, and future visions for capacity building in energy and carbon reduction projects.

The event was attended by various government officials and representatives from related ministries and companies.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Oil Minister has 'activated' three contracts with UAE-based Crescent Petroleum, as part of Iraq's fifth licensing round.

The contracts are aimed at harnessing 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, within one and a half years, from the following development blocks:

• Gilabat-Qumar [Kalabat], in Diyala
• Khashim Ahmer-Injana [Khasham Al-Ahmar], in Diyala
• Khudher Al-Mai [Khider al-Mai], in Basra and Muthana

Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani emphasized the government's and ministry's dedication to increase investment in gas production, focusing on utilizing the gas to generate electricity.

In a statement, the Ministry said the implementation of these contracts will prevent gas flaring, and the gas will be used to produce electricity through mobile power stations at the field sites, bolstering the national grid with substantial gas reserves.

The original, twenty-year, contracts for these projects were signed in February 2023.

Crescent Petroleum had previously stated that the two fields in Diyala, Gilabat-Qumar and Khashim Ahmer-Injana, will initially produce 250 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of natural gas.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)