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Kurdistan Region Boosts Water Resources with 13 New Dams

The ninth cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has made significant strides in enhancing water availability across the region. Their primary focus has been the construction of dams and reservoirs, with the completion of four dams and ongoing work on 13 additional ones. The combined cost of these projects exceeds 553 billion Iraqi dinars (IQD) [$422 million].

Abdulrahman Khani, the Director General of Dams in the Kurdistan Region, revealed in an interview with the Media and Information Department that the region currently boasts 21 dams, including Dukan and Darbandikhan, which are utilised for electricity generation. The directorate aims to equip all newly constructed dams, such as Bawanur and Mandawa, with electricity generating hydropower plants.

Completed Dam Projects:

Eighteen dams have already been successfully completed in Erbil, Slemani, Duhok, and Garmian. These dams collectively offer a storage capacity of 80.756 million cubic meters of water. In Erbil, five dams have been completed (Jali, Degala, Hamamok, Kudala, and Chamrga); Slemani boasts four dams (Shewasor, Hashazin, Chami Smor, and Dewana); Duhok has two dams (Bedohy and Khanas); and Garmian features seven dams (Bawa-shaswar, Hassan Kanosh, Horaw, Qadir Karam, Awa-Spi, and Turajar). These dams are fully operational, with 14 of them costing IQD 108 billion, and the remaining four amounting to IQD 21 million.

Dams Constructed by the Ninth Cabinet:

Among the 18 completed dams, the ninth cabinet was responsible for the construction of four: Chamrga in Erbil, Dewana in Slemani, Khanas in Duhok, and Turajar in Garmian. These projects, totalling IQD 45 billion, contribute a storage capacity of 29.1 million cubic meters of water.

Ongoing Dam Projects:

The KRG's ninth cabinet, upon securing funding from previous cabinets, initiated the construction of 13 dams across the region, which are now nearing completion. Once finished, these dams will increase the Kurdistan Region's water supply by a substantial 269 million cubic meters. Mr. Khani emphasised that the goal is to have "at least four dams fully operational for water storage by the end of this year." These 13 dams, distributed as four in Erbil, three in Slemani, two in Duhok, two in Garmian, and three in Kurdistani areas outside the region, represent an investment of IQD 553 billion.

Designing for the Future:

The ninth cabinet has allocated IQD 21 billion for the design and surveying of 41 dams, along with $645,000 (USD) for the design of an additional six dams. These investments pave the way for future infrastructure development and water resource management.

Dams: A Multifaceted Engineering Triumph:

Dam construction stands as one of humanity's most remarkable engineering achievements, serving diverse purposes such as agricultural irrigation, potable water supply, electricity generation, industrial applications, and tourism development. These projects play a pivotal role in enhancing the overall quality of life in the Kurdistan Region.

(Source: KRG)

By John Lee.

The Director General of Dhi Qar Oil Company (DQOC), Ali Khudair Abbas, has unveiled the company's plans to transition to solar energy systems for supplying electricity to oil fields, facilities, and its departments.

He said that this move aligns with the directives of the Minister of Oil to adopt renewable energy for power generation, meeting the needs of companies, facilities, and oil-related departments while optimizing electricity consumption. The objective is to reduce the national electricity grid's load and rely on self-generation.

The General Manager stated that the company has equipped several buildings at its headquarters with solar power sources, along with the oil fields in Saba'a and Nasiriyah. He noted that the company has made significant progress since the beginning of the current year and looks forward to further enhancing energy supply in the coming year.

The Head of the Electricity Department at the DQOC, Hazem Ismail, emphasized the company's use of cutting-edge solar energy technologies and regular maintenance and updates.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the recommendation from the Ministerial Energy Council (Resolution No. 23089 for 2023), allocating $202,576,000 from the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry of Electricity for the purpose of rehabilitating Units 2 and 3 at the Hartha Thermal Station (pictured) and the rehabilitation of the Doura Gas Station.

In a statement, the Media Office of the Prime Minister said these projects are vital for supplying the electricity grid.

"The allocation is in accordance with the provisions of the Federal General Budget Law for the next three years, with the Ministry of Finance funding 50% of the amount for this year."

(Source: Media Office of the Iraqi Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

The Governor of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, has inaugurated the electricity interconnection project between Saudi Arabia and Iraq in the city of Dammam on Tuesday.

His Highness confirmed that the electrical interconnection project between the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) aims to preserve energy security and enhance integration between the GCC countries for the benefit of the people of the Gulf.

The CEO of the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), Ahmed Al-Ibrahim, said the platform "opens the horizons of the Gulf market for trade and exchange of electrical energy between the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Iraq."

 He added that the energy traded with Iraq could be between $200- and $300-million annually.

More on Iraq's relationship with the GCCIA here.

(Source: GCCIA)

By John Lee.

The Iraqi Ministry of Oil reiterated its commitment to executing strategic gas development and investment projects.

During a leadership meeting on gas projects held on Sunday at the ministry's headquarters, Deputy Minister for Gas Affairs, Azat Saber, emphasized the importance of accelerating new projects through national efforts and international collaboration, particularly in areas rich in gas hydrocarbon structures.

Saber highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Al-Halfaya Complex project in Maysan, set to add 300 million cubic feet per day at the beginning of the next year. This gas will supply electricity power stations. Additionally, an agreement with TotalEnergies will add 600 million cubic feet, and gas processing complexes in Nasiriyah and Gharraf with a capacity of 200 million cubic feet each.

Furthermore, Basra Gas Company (BGC)'s gas investment projects have achieved production rates exceeding 1,000 million cubic feet, with future plans aiming for 2,000 million cubic feet.

Saber also mentioned support for gas storage and compression projects, essential for the gas sector, and emphasized adherence to the government program and directives from the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil to expedite gas investment projects within set timelines. This will support the national economy and secure gas supplies for electricity power stations and other gas-related uses. He expressed hope for adding new quantities to national production in the coming months.

Saber revealed the ministry's efforts to develop the Mansuriya field in Diyala Governorate through an agreement with a foreign company, which will be announced soon.

The meeting, attended by the general managers of companies and relevant departments, discussed various agenda items.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

The President of Iraq's National Investment Commission (NIC) has launched the Downtown Baghdad project, which will feature Iraq's tallest skyscraper, with 65 floors.

Dr. Haider Muhammad Makiya said the project would serve as a modern and contemporary residential complex designed for sustainability. He emphasized that there would be no additional expenses for electricity and thermal insulation, as these costs would be covered by the executing company.

Mekki further noted that the tallest skyscraper in Iraq would be an architectural masterpiece with a modern and contemporary facade. He highlighted the Iraqi government's commitment to supporting vital projects like this one and explained that the project incorporated modern designs and high-quality service levels to meet sustainability requirements.

(Source: NIC)

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Sunday evening to discuss diversifying gas sources for power stations in Iraq.

During the meeting, the delegation's report on their recent visit to Qatar was discussed, led by the Deputy Minister of Electricity.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a fixed system for processing imported gas at Faw Port, to be executed by the Ministry of Oil within the federal budget.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani directed further discussions with the Italian consultant regarding the project's location within the port area.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

During a meeting with Turkmenistan's Minister of State for Gas Affairs, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil expressed the desire to enhance bilateral cooperation in the oil and energy sectors.

They discussed expanding mutual collaboration in these fields, highlighting the potential both countries possess. Emphasis was placed on cooperation in supplying gas to power stations, with the signing of a memorandum of understanding seen as a significant step to bolster opportunities for cooperation. Iraqi companies were invited to participate in promising investment opportunities presented by the Ministry.

Turkmenistan's Minister of State for Gas Affairs, Mr. Maxat Babaiev, expressed his satisfaction with the bilateral cooperation between the two countries and considered the gas supply memorandum as the beginning of increased bilateral cooperation prospects.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Mr. Ziad Ali Fadel, mentioned that the memorandum of understanding with Turkmenistan is one of the rapid solutions being pursued by the Ministerial Energy Council to enhance production and increase power supply to citizens.

The Ministry's Deputy for Gas Affairs, Mr. Azat Saber, noted that the signing of this memorandum and the agreement with Turkmenistan are the results of intensive efforts by the joint ministerial team from the Ministries of Oil and Electricity. These efforts included extensive discussions and meetings during his visit to Turkmenistan in August of last year to identify the common objectives.

The meeting was attended by several officials from the Ministries of Oil and Electricity.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By Dashti Adil for the Institute of Regional and International Studies (IRIS) at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS). The opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Iraqi Kurdistan's Electricity Crisis: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

KRG policymakers must embrace solutions that both expand electricity coverage in the short-term and lay the foundation for long-term environmental sustainability - an exceedingly difficult set of competing objectives.

The full report can be read here.

By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity has announced the successful completion of the electricity connection with Jordan, adding that imports from Jordan will start in the coming days.

Ziad Ali Fadel also confirmed that the electricity connection contracts with neighboring countries are progressing as planned.

He clarified that the Gulf-Saudi connection is also progressing smoothly, with no problems to report.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)