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By John Lee.

The third session of the Iraqi-Armenian Joint Committee for Economic, Trade, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation concluded on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Iraq's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki, led the Iraqi delegation, while Armenia was represented by the Minister of Economy, Fahan Kevorkian.

During the closing ceremony, both sides signed the minutes of the third session, which included recommendations spanning economic, trade, scientific, agricultural, and technical sectors. The document will be submitted to the Iraqi Cabinet for approval.

Minister Al-Maliki expressed gratitude to all contributors and encouraged Armenian investors and companies to participate in Iraqi exhibitions, particularly the Baghdad International Fair and the Agricultural Exhibition hosted annually by the Ministry of Agriculture. He hoped for increased collaboration across various fields.

Minister Kevorkian, in his speech, thanked the Iraqi side for their warm reception and highlighted the enticing factors of the Iraqi market, inviting Armenian companies to engage in investment projects that serve the interests of both friendly nations.

The two sides emphasized the importance of creating a new reality to enhance bilateral cooperation through three main axes:

1. Political Dialogue: Strengthening bilateral relations through diplomatic channels, encouraging and facilitating reciprocal official visits to serve both nations' interests on the international stage.
2. Economic and Trade Cooperation: Exploring avenues for economic and trade collaboration between Iraq and Armenia in various sectors, including commerce, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, oil, electricity, finance, construction, municipalities, industry, minerals, the National Investment Authority, water resources, and the private sector. Both sides recognized agriculture as an integral part of the national economy, contributing significantly to the well-being, security, and prosperity of both populations.
3. Scientific, Cultural, and Artistic Collaboration: Promoting scientific, cultural, and artistic cooperation in education, higher education, culture, youth and sports, tourism and antiquities, communications, sciences, and technology.

The committee meetings took place in Baghdad over two days, with the participation of representatives from both friendly nations' ministries.

(Source: Ministry of Agriculture)

By John Lee.

On Wednesday, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani received a delegation from the French company TotalEnergies.

The delegation included Mr. Laurent Vivier, the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa; Mr. Julien Pouget, the Middle East Director for Exploration and Renewable Energy; and Ms. Dunia Al-Jalbi, the Director of TotalEnergies' Iraq branch.

During the meeting, they discussed the prospects of mutual cooperation in the oil and energy sector, as well as TotalEnergies' plans and programs for implementing recent contracts with national oil companies. These contracts involve gas investment, field development, sea water transportation and processing, and a solar energy project for electricity generation.

(Source: Ministry of Oil)

By John Lee.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani met with Peter Gibson, the CEO of American energy company Steller Energy on Wednesday.

They discussed the company's electricity projects and the government's commitment to expanding combined-cycle power projects, a key priority in their service and development program.

Prime Minister Al-Sudani emphasized the government's approach of facilitating major companies operating in the electricity and energy sector, recognizing its vital role in supporting various economic and service sectors.

Peter Gibson reaffirmed Steller Energy's dedication to fulfilling its obligations in Iraq and enhancing production while improving transmission and distribution networks to meet the growing demand for electricity.

Stellar Energy has been involved in electricity projects in Iraq - more here.

(Source: Media Office of the Prime Minister)

By John Lee.

In a meeting on Wednesday, Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Engineer Ziad Ali Fadel, met with the CEO of "Hitachi Linxon International" (sic) and accompanying delegation to discuss the synchronization of various projects completed by the Ministry in multiple provinces through their collaborative partnership.

Minister Fadel emphasized the importance of collaborations and agreements with reputable companies within the framework of mutual cooperation. He highlighted successful experiences with Hitachi in completing several secondary and transformer stations, including stations like Al-Adala, Al-Rabea, Al-Turath, Al-Hay, New Karbala, Al-Hussainiya, Bub Al-Sham, Al-Diwaniyah, and the Kout Center. Additionally, he mentioned the expansion of the fifth circuit at the North Baghdad station to 400 kV.

The Minister recommended that the Undersecretary for Transport and Distribution Affairs, Engineer Nizar Qahtan Al-Tamimi, hold a meeting with the company delegation to discuss the inclusion of a loan for the rehabilitation and expansion of the 400 kV extra-high-voltage transformation stations in ancient Babylon, South Baghdad, Diyala, and Wasit.

Al-Tamimi highlighted the importance of continuous and swift meetings to address pressing needs.

Linxon, headquartered in Switzerland, is a joint venture company set up in 2018 by SNC-Lavalin and ABB to deliver turnkey electrical AC substation projects. Hitachi subsequently acquired an 80.1-percent stake in ABB's Power Grids business, and Linxon now describes itself as, "combin[ing] SNC-Lavalin's project management expertise and Hitachi Energy's industry-leading technological knowledge."

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Ministry's Deputy for Transport and Distribution Meets Shanghai Corporation, Highlights Successful Collaboration and Government Programs

The Deputy Minister for Transport and Distribution, Nizar Qahtan Al-Tamimi, representating Minister of Electricity Ziad Ali Fadel, led a meeting this week with Shanghai Electric.

The meeting aimed to further strengthen strategic partnerships, aligning with government programs and plans to bolster the electricity sector.

Al-Tamimi emphasized the government's and ministry's support for collaborations with established manufacturing companies. He highlighted that the partnership with Shanghai is not new, with past successful and significant projects driven by mutual interests.

Anticipating new projects, Al-Tamimi mentioned forthcoming initiatives like the installation of the combined cycle turbine at the Mansouriyah station, maintenance of Hartha station units, and the comprehensive expansion of Wasit thermal station.

Shanghai's Executive Director expressed pride in the ministry's trust in their projects. He noted that the Chinese government places significant importance on Iraq and the Ministry of Electricity through the Belt and Road Initiative. Collaborating with Sanio Shore, they are working to secure funding for new steps in Iraq's electricity sector. Alongside station implementation, they aim to engage in transport and the training of Iraqi staff, integrating modern technologies and renewable energy efforts.

Al-Tamimi recommended providing technical studies and maps for network development. He mentioned an upcoming conference where the government will announce available investment opportunities, urging competitive participation. He underscored the necessity of securing financing for projects aimed at advancing the electricity sector.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

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)