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By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, led a meeting of the National Security Council on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by council members and focused on the latest security developments and crucial challenges, along with strategies to counter them.

The council also hosted the Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Electricity, alongside the specialized committee responsible for nuclear projects.

Discussions revolved around the utilization of nuclear energy for national electricity generation. Initiating a limited peaceful nuclear reactor for electricity production was discussed as a means to reduce dependency on other energy resources such as gas and oil. According to a statement following the meeding, this move is anticipated to positively impact long-term electrical stability.

Iraq has been considering its nuclear options for some years; read more on this here.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

Iraq and Turkmenistan have reached a preliminary agreement to enhance cooperation in the gas sector, specifically concerning the importation of gas into Iraq.

The Deputy Minister of Oil for Gas Affairs, Mr. Azat Saber, said that a high-level government delegation held meetings with gas sector officials in Turkmenistan. The two parties have tentatively agreed on importing quantities of gas to meet a some of Iraq's energy needs, especially for electricity generation.

This accord will be formalised in a memorandum of cooperation expected to be finalized by the end of this year. The memorandum will define proposed quantities and the mechanisms endorsed by both countries.

Emphasizing the importance of this agreement, Mr. Saber stated that it signifies a significant step towards expanding collaboration with gas-producing nations, with Turkmenistan being a pivotal gas producer regionally and globally.

The delegation included Mr. Adel Kareem, Deputy Minister of Electricity for Production Affairs, Advisor Abdulhamza Hadi, and Mr. Nasir Aziz, Director-General of Studies and Planning at the Ministry of Oil, along with several other officials.

(Sources: Iraqi Ministry of Electricity, Iraqi Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Mr. Ziyad Ali Fadel, the Minister of Electricity, welcomed the delegation from German Embassy in Iraq at the ministry's headquarters last week.

The delegation included representatives from the German Export Credit Agency and the Executive Director of Siemens in Iraq.

During the meeting, Minister Fadel highlighted the strategic partnerships and significant agreements established with Siemens and other German companies in alignment with government directives. He emphasized the well-regarded reputation and efficiency of these companies' work in Iraq over the years.

Minister Fadel stressed that the agreements with Siemens have gained crucial government support. He expressed the importance of swift initiation to serve citizens in the first phase, followed by a transition to the second phase. These agreements encompass multiple projects, such as:

• Establishing a power generation station in Nasiriyah with a capacity of up to 900 megawatts, including 600 megawatts from associated gas and 300 megawatts from combined cycles.
• Creating five 400 kV transformer stations.
• Upgrading three generation units in the Al-Mussaib Thermal Power Station.
• Preparing technical proposals for the Baiji Power Station reconstruction project.

The acting German representative emphasized the German government's keen interest in collaborating with Iraq. They expressed their intention to encourage banks and major companies to maintain communication and finance promising projects in Iraq. The German Export Credit Agency is also committed to providing support.

The Executive Director of Siemens expressed gratitude for the trust placed in their company by the Minister and the government. They affirmed their commitment to working together as a unified team to achieve accomplishments.

(Source: Iraqi Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Under the guidance of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy and Minister of Oil, Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani, Dhi Qar Oil Company (DQOC) has completed the trial operation of a gas power plant at the Al-Gharraf oil field in Dhi Qar province.

This achievement aligns with the ministry's strategy to harness associated gas from oil production, aiming for integrated self-sufficiency in oil fields' operations. The gas power plant has a capacity exceeding 70 megawatts and will provide electricity for the field and its facilities.

The plant will be supplied with gas from oil operations within the field, reflecting DQOC's ongoing efforts to fully invest in this gas resource in collaboration with the operator.

This development is expected to contribute significantly to the oil field's electricity needs independently, reducing reliance on the national grid. In turn, the saved capacity of 70 megawatts will be channeled into the national grid to serve citizens. These initiatives are part of the Ministry of Oil's comprehensive plan to implement similar projects in other producing fields.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

The German company Siemens has signed a contract for the long-term maintenance of the generation units at the Al-Rumaila gas plant in Basra province.

Iraqi Minister of Electricity, Engineer Ziad Ali Fadel, welcomed the company's CEO and its technical team, and emphasized the need to prepare a work plan for maintenance projects, ensuring the readiness of the generation units starting from now until before the upcoming summer of 2024.

According to a statement from the Ministry, the maintenance contract includes:

• Fine-tuning the operation of active units within scientific parameters.
• Replacement of parts with original manufacturer equipment, adhering to precise specifications
• Secure operation of the system.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

The Minister of Electricity presided over a significant meeting with a delegation from the UAE-based company Masdar.

The company is planning solar power projects in Maysan, Thi Qar, Anbar, and Kirkuk.

The minister highlighted the government's commitment to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on gas and fossil fuels. He emphasized the ministry's dedication to addressing environmental pollution and climate change. He stressed the importance of long-term partnerships with the UAE, both governmental and investment-oriented, involving private and established companies.

The Minister expressed determination to implement these endeavors, especially with Masdar, a company with substantial regional and global presence. He discussed the possibility of identifying a starting point for renewable energy projects. Successes with companies such as TotalEnergies, PowerChina, and the Bilal Group, and their utilization of designated lands, were mentioned.

He revealed that the ministry, in coordination with the Ministerial Energy Council and the Cabinet, worked to remove obstacles through strategic decisions. Key points for discussion were identified:

• Ministry's role as the negotiating and communicating entity.
• Timeframes and communication records with supporting entities.
• A joint meeting between the Electricity Ministry, National Investment Commission, and the company to understand commitments and specifications.

The Masdar delegation appreciated the minister's transparency, commitment, and clarity. They conveyed the interest of the UAE Energy Ministry and government, expressing readiness to work cooperatively. They pledged adherence to investment regulations and established limits.

(Source: Ministry of Electicity)

By John Lee.

The Ministry of Electricity has reportedly confirmed the formation of a joint committee with the Ministry of Oil to discuss importing gas from Qatar and Turkmenistan.

State-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) quoted theh Minister of Electricity, Ziyad Ali Fadhil, as saying that the committee will go with a delegation to Turkmenistan, and study the possibility of contracting to import gas, while another will go to Qatar to discuss the possibility of supplying Iraq with liquid gas through one of the Iraqi ports.

(Source: INA)

Poland reaffirms commitment to Iraq's stabilization with additional US$270,000 contribution

Iraq's post-ISIL stabilization efforts will continue to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable, as the Government of Poland reaffirmed its commitment with an additional inject of funding in the amount of 1.1 million Polish zloty (approximately US$ 270,000) towards UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS).

This is Poland's second contribution to the Facility, bringing its total contribution to 2.1 million Polish zloty (over US$500,000). With this additional funding, UNDP will support the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in communities affected by the conflict, further bolstering Iraq's efforts towards long-term development.

"UNDP's work in Iraq is upheld by the principles of resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable development. We work alongside our partners, to ensure no one is left behind, as Iraq moves towards a brighter future. But our work is not yet over, the road to stabilization is only the beginning. This collective effort and investment must continue, as we rebuild communities, revive the local economy through livelihoods' support and empower Iraqis, especially women and young people, to become catalysts of positive change," says UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Auke Lootsma.

"To see lives transformed through this project has been extraordinary.  It is our hope that this contribution is seen as a reflection of our support and partnership in the rebuilding of Iraq's future," says Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to the Republic of Iraq, His Excellency, Mr. Marcin Kubiak.

"Together with UNDP and the Government of Iraq, we will continue to advocate and support this life-changing project for the benefit of the country and the people of Iraq," Ambassador Kubiak added.

Poland and the international community's support to Iraq's stabilization 

At the request of the Government of Iraq, UNDP, in partnership with the international community, established the Funding Facility for Stabilization in 2015 to facilitate the return of Iraqis displaced by the conflict. The project continues to lay the groundwork for rehabilitation, provide capacity support and ensures safeguards are in place to prevent the resurgence of violence and extremism.  Since its inception, the Facility has completed more than 3,600 projects across the five liberated governorates of Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salah Al-Din.

The lives of over 8.3 million Iraqis were improved, and the return of 4.9 million people displaced by the ISIL conflict were facilitated, through the implementation of these essential projects, through the Facility, which includes the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals, water systems, electricity networks, roads, and homes, and the creation of short-term employment.

Poland's contribution has funded 61 projects, the majority of which are in the health sector. These life-saving projects have served over 250,000 people in need of some form of humanitarian health support or assistance.

"Since 2015, we have witnessed the life-changing impact of our joint efforts, as we restored homes, schools, and delivered other essential services, creating opportunities to help vulnerable communities rebuild their lives. The generous contribution from the Government of Poland reinforces this joint commitment to support the people of Iraq, in their journey toward peace and stability," says UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Auke Lootsma.

(Source: UN)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Cabinet has this week approved an agreement between the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and Al-Bilal Group, a limited general contracting company, which includes a reduction in the power purchase tariff for two solar power station projects in Karbala (300 MW) and Alexandria (Iskandariya) (225 MW).

The agreement reduces the price from $40.7/MW-hour to $39.5/MW-hour.

It also stipulates the implementation of 75 MW out of the total contracted capacity of 525 MW within a maximum period of 12 months from the signing of the power purchase contract and before the project's financial closure, with the possibility of future expansion for both sites.

According to a previous report from MEES, Norwegian company Scatec decided in April to cease its involvement with these projects.

(Sources: Ministry of Oil, MEES)

By John Lee.

The governments of Iraq and Lebanon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) wherein Iraq will supply Lebanon with quantities of fuel and crude oil.

The agreement, in line with Cabinet Decision No. 23265 in 2023, aims to support Lebanon's electricity sector and strengthen cooperation between the two countries, serving their mutual interests.

During the signing ceremony, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani, emphasized the renewal of the agreement for another year with an increased quantity of gas oil based on mutual consent.

Additionally, a new contract for crude oil will be arranged, and technical committees from both sides will define the appropriate mechanisms for executing the agreement, including quantity determination, transportation, loading, unloading, and other logistical and technical commitments. Subsequently, both countries' cabinets will approve the joint committee's recommendations.

Lebanon's Minister of Energy and Water, Walid Fayyad, praised Iraq's support to overcome his country's fuel supply crisis for power stations. This gesture of support is deeply appreciated by the Lebanese government and people.

(Source: Iraqi Ministry of Oil)