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By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi chaired the regular session of the Iraqi cabinet on Tuesday.

Addressing the ongoing crisis in electricity supply, the cabinet agreed to allocate 50 billion Iraqi dinars ($34 million) for emergency expenses and maintenance of the electricity infrastructure.

This will be achieved by profitable Ministry of Oil companies lending the funds to the Ministry of Electricity companies.

(Source: Govt of Iraq)

Writing in The National, Robert Tollast quotes analysts as saying that the disastrous collapse in Iraqi and Iranian electricity supplies was partly caused by the dysfunctional partnership between the countries' energy sectors.

Click here to read the full story.

From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

What is behind Iraq's electricity crisis?

As summer brings soaring temperatures, Iraq is again experiencing major power shortages with associated political turmoil.

With daytime highs above 50 degrees Celsius, blackouts are particularly hitting the southern governorates of Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna.

Despite the centrality of Iran in the current reporting on the crisis, the nature and extent of Tehran's role remains unclear.

The full report can be viewed here (registration required).

By John Lee.

Local news sources in Iraq claim the major power cut in Iraq on Friday was caused by sabotage of the power transmission lines.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhim ordered the dismissal of the Director General of the General Company for Electricity Transmission in the Middle Euphrates region for "neglecting to perform his duties", which he said was responsible for the failure of the 400kV line.

The move follows the resignation earlier the week of Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Majed Mahdi Hantoosh [Hantoush], following protests over repeated power cuts.

Iraq is currently suffering a heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 52C in places.

(Sources: Govt of Iraq, Shafaq, BBC)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Majed Mahdi Hantoosh [Hantoush], has reportedly submitted his resignation, following protests over repeated power cuts.

Anadolu Agency says the resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Muqtada Al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist movement, had recently called for the Minister to be sacked.

(Source: Middle East Monitor)

By John Lee.

Iran has reportedly suspended the supply of gas and electricity to Iraq, at a time when the country is struggling to cope with with soaring temperatures.

According to AP, Iraq already owes Iran $4 billion for energy imports, and Iran is pushing to have the debt paid.

More here.

(Source: AP)

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is investing in Basrah Gas Company (BGC) to support one of the largest gas flaring reduction projects in the world, helping to improve energy access, prevent associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and support a more resilient, sustainable energy sector in Iraq.

BGC is an Iraqi joint venture created to treat and process associated gas that would otherwise be flared. The project is expected to increase BGC's processing capacity, thereby avoiding more unnecessary flaring and associated GHG emissions by around 10 million tons per annum. It will support Iraq's transition to a lower carbon path and improve access to a domestic energy source, helping the country meet its growing power needs.

IFC is the lead arranger of the five-year, $360 million loan to BGC.

Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for Iraq, said:

"Signing the loan agreement reinforces the collective efforts to increase investment in associated gas flaring reduction using world-class technologies. It is in line with our objectives of turning flared gas into cleaner valuable energy and reducing the impact of the Green House Gas emissions on the environment.

"This loan opens new horizons for cooperation and collaboration that serve common purposes and interests, reiterating Iraq's commitment to increasing investment in associated gas flaring reduction and to achieving the objectives set by the Paris Agreement."

Malcolm Mayes, BGC Managing Director, said:

"We are delighted to have successfully signed this loan with IFC, the first loan facility of its kind in the energy sector in Iraq-a milestone to be proud of.

"The agreement demonstrates the strength of Iraqi companies and their ability to attract funding and trust from international banks. The intent of this five-year loan is to support BGC's growth project and turn the otherwise wasted flared gas into much needed energy for the country. Our strategy is in alignment with the government of Iraq's vision to power Iraqi homes with electricity and create a more sustainable energy industry."

Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, said:

"This pioneering project has the potential to deliver significant environmental and economic benefits, including lower GHG emissions and increased fiscal revenues, and will improve energy access and lower costs for Iraqi citizens.

"The project comes after years of hard work and strong cooperation by all parties involved. We hope that it will send a strong signal to other investors and help drive more private investments to tackle climate change and support inclusive growth in Iraq."

IFC's investment comprises a $137.76 million loan for IFC's own account, a $180 million loan in which participations were syndicated to eight international banks (Bank of China, Citi, Deutsche Bank AG, Industrial Commercial Bank of China, Natixis, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Société Générale and Standard Chartered Bank), and a $42.24 million loan through IFC's Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program, a platform that allows institutional investors to participate in IFC's loan portfolio. The loan is without recourse to or guarantees from any of the shareholders.

Iraq is endowed with significant reserves of natural gas, mainly produced as a byproduct of legacy oil extraction. However, in the absence of adequate infrastructure to capture and process it, about 70 percent of all natural gas produced in the country is flared. Capturing associated gas for subsequent use can help Iraq reduce overall emissions.

The project benefits from long-standing engagements of the World Bank Group in Iraq's energy sector. Iraq joined the Global Gas Flaring Reduction initiative in 2011 and committed in 2013 to eliminate all routine natural gas flaring by 2030.

(Sources: IFC, Iraqi Govt)

By John Lee.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has officially opened the first phase of the new Samarra power station.

The second phase is scheduled to be completed later this year.

The station will supply the grid with up to 1260 MW of electricity, and will serve northern Baghdad and Salah al-Din governorate.

A third phase of development is under discussion with a Chinese company.

(Source: Govt of Iraq)

By John Lee.

Masdar, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi-based  Mubadala Investment Company, has signed a strategic agreement to develop 2,000 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Iraq.

Heads of Agreement (HOA) were signed at a virtual ceremony by His Excellency Majid A. Hantosh, Minister of Electricity, the Republic of Iraq, Her Excellency Suha Al-Najar, President of the National Investment Commission (NIC) for the Republic of Iraq, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar.

The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for the Republic of Iraq, His Excellency Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy for the UAE, and His Excellency Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister of State for Foreign Trade for the UAE.

His Excellency Ihsan Abdul Jabbar Ismail, Minister of Oil for the Republic of Iraq, said:

"The Government intends to increase and enhance the national production of clean energy. Through this agreement with Masdar, we will generate 2 GW of solar power through projects in central and southern Iraq.

"Iraq is targeting 20 to 25 percent of energy coming from renewable sources, rather than fossil fuels, equivalent to 10 to 12 GW. This agreement with Masdar, a global leader in renewable energy, is an important step in the development of the clean energy investment sector and the exploitation of solar energy in Iraq."

HE Suhail Al Mazroui, Minister of Energy for the UAE, said:

"We are grateful to the Government of Iraq for providing Masdar with the opportunity to contribute to the implementation of the Republic of Iraq's renewable energy strategy. The UAE is committed to working with the Republic of Iraq to develop sustainable energy resources. This initiative also highlights the importance of public and private sector partnerships in finding affordable solutions.

"Masdar has been a pioneer in developing clean energy projects, and is now active in more than 30 countries around the world, with a total value of more than US$20 billion and a production capacity exceeding 11 gigawatts. Masdar will leverage the expertise it has built up through these projects to support the Republic of Iraq on its clean energy journey."

HE Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, underlined the strong brotherly relations that unite the UAE and the Republic of Iraq, supported by many deep political, social and economic ties, and driven by the keenness of the leadership of the two brotherly countries to enhance prospects for cooperation in all fields, especially vital areas of common interest.

He pointed out that the cooperation between Masdar and the government of the Republic of Iraq will add significant value to the Emirati and Iraqi partnerships in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and keeping pace with the growing demand for energy. It will also contribute to supporting Iraqi efforts aimed at implementing quality projects to produce 10 gigawatts of solar energy by 2025.

HE Al Zeyoudi further affirmed the UAE's keenness to facilitate channels of technology transfer, enrich knowledge and encourage the exchange of the best and most successful experiences to promote economic development in Iraq.

HE Suha Al-Najar, President of the National Investment Commission for the Republic of Iraq, said:

"The project is one of the largest renewable photovoltaic solar projects in the Middle East, and falls within the vision of Iraq's sustainable transition plan 2021- 2030. The project delivers 2 GW of green energy for Iraq national network. It opens the way for cooperation and knowledge exchange between the two parties in the field of energy planning and sustainable transition. A steering committee of both parties is established for this goal. The business model is Independent Power Producer, and the investment will be according to law13-2006 of the National Investment Commission.

"The project ensures clean and sustainable energy production for different areas in Iraq, and displaces carbon dioxide emissions resulting from fossil fuel generation. The project will also provide new jobs in the energy sector, with the manpower for project construction and operation beyond 2,000."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, CEO of Masdar, said:

"This agreement will define the path for the development of clean energy solutions that will drive growth in the Republic of Iraq and help the Government meet its climate goals. The UAE shares Iraq's commitment to diversify away from a dependence on oil & gas, and to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources. We are proud to support the Government of Iraq on this vital stage in its clean energy journey and we will leverage our expertise to deliver a more sustainable future for the nation."

(Sources: Masdar, Govt of Iraq)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Mr. Al-Manhal Al-Safi, met on Friday with the Kuwaiti Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, H.E. Dr. Mishaan Al-Otaibi.

They discussed cooperation in renewable energy and natural gas, as well as developments in grid connection to supply Iraq with electrical power.

(Source: MoFA)