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By John Lee.

Iraq's Minister of Electricity, Eng. Ziyad Ali Fadel, met with a senior delegation from U.S.-based Excelerate Energy to discuss plans for importing and processing liquefied natural gas (LNG) through a floating platform at Khor al-Zubair in preparation for summer 2026.

The Government of Iraq issued an Award Letter to Texas-based company last week to develop an integrated floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal, intended to strengthen Iraq's energy security, support domestic power generation, and diversify supply away from unreliable sources.

During the meeting with Oliver Simpson, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Excelerate, discussions focused on implementation details and timelines. The company committed to supplying gas before summer 2026 - a key step in securing Iraq's power generation fuel during peak demand periods.

The Minister instructed the preparation of a formal letter to the Prime Minister's Office to form a high-level committee including representatives from the Ministries of Electricity, Oil, and Transport to finalise the contract draft.

The Cabinet recently authorised the Ministry of Electricity to sign the gas supply agreement with Excelerate Energy to ensure stable electricity generation and improved energy security.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

The Director General of the Middle Euphrates Electricity Distribution Company, Eng. Haider Majid Abdul Karim, held a meeting with representatives of China's CHINT Group to discuss cooperation on the smart meters project. The session, attended by the Assistant Director General for Distribution Affairs and several technical officials, focused on CHINT's capabilities in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and remote-reading systems, and the potential integration with Iraq's existing grid.

Abdul Karim stressed the project's importance in reducing losses, improving revenue collection, and enabling citizens to monitor their consumption. He called for a thorough review of technical and financial aspects to ensure the project's success and sustainability.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Electricity's broader strategy to modernise the distribution sector and adopt advanced technological solutions to improve service delivery.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

The Ministry of Electricity's Undersecretary for Production Affairs, Eng. Mohammed Nema Al-Tufaily, chaired a key meeting with Shanghai Electric to set firm timelines for the execution and completion of combined-cycle projects and rehabilitation of power stations.

The talks, attended by senior ministry officials and regional power company directors, focused on government-mandated programmes to expand generation capacity and strengthen infrastructure.

Projects include the installation of combined-cycle units at the Al-Mansuriya, Karbala, Hilla, Diwaniya, and Najaf gas power plants, adding 1,000 MW of capacity, as well as the rehabilitation of the Hartha thermal station to ensure readiness before summer 2026.

Al-Tufaily stressed strict adherence to contractual deadlines, site visits to monitor progress, and granting project managers sufficient authority to accelerate implementation. Shanghai Electric reaffirmed its full commitment to completing the projects within the agreed timelines.

(Source: Ministry of Electricity)

By John Lee.

Iraq's Ministry of Electricity has reportedly purchased ten telescopic truck-mounted lifts made by Italian firm CTE.

The equipment was supplied by Precision Machinery, CTE's distributor in the UAE.

More here.

(Sources: Precision Machinery, Vertikal)

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired a meeting on Wednesday to accelerate the completion of the al-Bada'a Canal project, intended to secure water supplies for Basra. The session was attended by the Minister of Water Resources, the Head of the Advisory Board at the Prime Minister's Office, and senior officials from the Ministry of Water Resources.

The meeting reviewed progress on the canal, including a critical 65 km section that has been delayed for years due to sandy and gypsum terrain. Of this section, 45 km has already been completed. Discussions also covered a proposed water pipeline project and its viability under current shortages, with representatives of the implementing companies in attendance.

Al-Sudani directed the completion of customs exemptions for materials required for the project, the submission of proposals to amend the Cabinet decision on the canal to add new components, and the allocation of necessary funding. He also instructed the completion of a pumping station in the critical area and the provision of electricity to support it.

The meeting further addressed water conditions across central and southern regions, cross-border water releases, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure sustainable solutions to the water crisis.

(Source: Prime Minister's Office)

By John Lee.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani on Sunday inaugurated, via videoconference, the first phase of the Karbala Solar Power Plant, Iraq's first project of its kind, in the presence of the Minister of Electricity.

Al-Sudani praised the efforts of the Ministry of Electricity and local authorities in Karbala for completing the project, highlighting the governor's role in coordinating with ministries and service sectors. He described Karbala as a gateway for service and development achievements.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that solar energy is a strategic choice for Iraq, stressing the need to equip upcoming housing units - including those allocated to teachers - with solar systems. He noted that agreements are underway with TotalEnergies of France, alongside the completion of work by the company implementing the Karbala plant [Albilal Group], which is the first private firm to supply solar power to the national grid.

The Karbala plant has begun producing 22 MW of electricity and is expected to reach 75 MW within two months. Al-Sudani confirmed that additional renewable, clean, and sustainable energy projects are planned, aligning with Iraq's strategy to cut carbon emissions and mitigate environmental impacts caused by outdated production methods.

(Source: PMO)

By Hayder Al Shakeri for The National. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Why is energy-rich Iraq still having to import electricity?

For more than a decade, Iraq's power system has relied heavily on Iranian gas and electricity imports, which at times provide up to a third of national supply.

This has made Baghdad vulnerable to political pressure and US sanctions, both of which disrupt payments and deliveries as well as driving recurring blackouts.

Click here to read the full article.

ROX Motor's Silk Road Tour Reaches Iraq, Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Sustainable Mobility

BAGHDAD, IRAQ, Sep 4, 2025 - ROX Motor, an international luxury new energy vehicle brand committed to becoming the leading new energy vehicle brand for outdoor lifestyle enthusiasts worldwide by 2030, has completed the Iraq leg of its 25,000 km Silk Road Tour, following a 9,500-kilometre journey across China, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

As a pivotal stage in its global journey, the convoy traced Iraq's historic routes through Mosul, Erbil, and Baghdad, combining extensive test drives with cultural exchanges that underscore ROX Motor's mission to connect history with modern innovation and foster cross-regional dialogue.

During the journey, the ROX 01 luxury all-terrain SUV demonstrated exceptional performance across plains, mountain passes, and urban roads. Powered by REEV dual-energy technology, the model integrates fuel and electricity with an intelligent AWD system and five driving modes, delivering versatile, efficient, and reliable mobility tailored to the needs of Iraqi users.

To support this chapter, ROX Motor's partner Laith Al Obaidi Group provided technical expertise through three showrooms and two service centres in Baghdad, Mosul, and Erbil. These facilities form strategic anchors in ROX Motor's expanding global service network and strengthen the bridge between Chinese innovation and the Iraqi market.

Aligned with Iraq's "Vision 2030," a national strategy centred on sustainability and environmental stewardship, ROX Motor is deepening cooperation with local partners to advance green mobility and sustainable growth. With its all-terrain innovation, strategic partnerships, and deep commitment to users, the brand continues to accelerate its global journey, empowering outdoor lifestyles and redefining mobility across continents.

About ROX Motor

ROX Motor is an international new-energy vehicle company, focused on Smart, All-terrain, REEV innovation. We are dedicated to empowering those who yearn to explore faraway places through advanced technologies. Our vision is to become the world's leading outdoor lifestyle brand.

For more information, please visit: https://www.roxmotor.com/en

By John Lee.

US energy technology company Baker Hughes has announced an agreement with Iraq-based Halfaya Gas Company (HGC) to strengthen their collaboration for an innovative flare gas recovery system at the Bin Umar [Nahr Bin Umar, Nahr Ben Umar] gas processing plant in southeastern Iraq. The project will significantly reduce upstream flaring and transform waste gas into valuable products.

The agreement builds on a previously announced memorandum of understanding to establish a collaboration for the Bin Umar development project and completion of a pre-Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) study. It marks an important step in Iraq's drive to eliminate routine flaring and support the country's energy transition and environmental priorities.

The project is expected to recover up to 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of flared gas. This equates to approximately 32 billion kilowatt-hours of energy annually - comparable to the yearly electricity consumption of roughly 2 million average households in Iraq. The waste gas that would have otherwise been flared will be converted into treated dry gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and condensate for domestic use and export.

The companies have also agreed to collaborate on development of upstream oilfields in Iraq, also leveraging Baker Hughes' Oilfield Services & Equipment segment expertise. This includes exploring strategic opportunities to develop local maintenance and repair services, along with an industrial manufacturing collaboration.

Hussein Saihood, CEO of Raban Al Safina for Energy Projects (RASEP, part of RAS Group), said:

"Our collaboration with Baker Hughes reaffirms our unwavering commitment to Iraq's future by reducing emissions, enhancing energy security and accelerating the development of a modern and sustainable energy infrastructure. Through strategic alliances with world-class partners, we are laying the foundations for long-term prosperity and resilience for our people ... Baker Hughes' demonstrated technical capabilities, tailored solutions and in-country service presence make them an ideal partner for this critical project."

Alessandro Bresciani, senior vice president Energy Equipment, Industrial & Energy Technology at Baker Hughes, said:

"Making traditional sources of energy more efficient with lower emissions is critical for sustainable energy development. The industry has a responsibility and opportunity to enable this today ... This agreement is a testament to our shared commitment to driving progress at scale and represents another significant milestone in Baker Hughes' journey to help customers achieve more sustainable and efficient operations."

The Bin Umar project is being developed by Halfaya Gas Company Ltd. (HGC), a special purpose project company owned by RASEP - Part of RAS Group, pursuant to a 15 years' BOOT contract with South Gas Company (SGC, a subsidiary of the Iraqi Ministry of Oil).

The flare gas recovery system is part of Baker Hughes' broad portfolio of emissions abatement solutions capable of improving productivity, efficiency and delivering increased value at scale across customer operations.

(Source: Baker Hughes)

By John Lee.

TotalEnergies, in partnership with Basra Oil Company (30%) and QatarEnergy (25%), has signed the final contracts of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) at the Ratawi [Artawi] field in Basra, under the patronage of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The agreements include:

• a joint operating contract between the Ministry of Oil, Basra Oil Company (BOC), TotalEnergies (45%, operator), and QatarEnergy;
• a seawater treatment facility with Hyundai (capacity 7.5 million barrels per day);
• a central oil and gas processing facility with Turkiye's Enka (210,000 bpd and 163 MMscfd of gas); and,
• a gas processing plant with China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corp (CPECC) (600 MMscfd in two phases).

The Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP), to be built near Umm Qasr, will substitute treated seawater for freshwater currently drawn from the Tigris, Euphrates, and aquifers, helping to reduce regional water stress and free up around 250,000 cubic metres of water daily for agriculture.

The Ratawi redevelopment, launched in 2023, will raise output to 120,000 bpd in 2026 (phase 1) and to 210,000 bpd in 2028 (phase 2), with no routine flaring. Associated gas will be processed through the 300 MMscfd Gas Midstream Project to supply the national grid, providing electricity to around 1.5 million households. The project also includes a 1,000 MW solar power component.

Prime Minister al-Sudani welcomed the agreements, describing them as evidence of Iraq's improving investment climate. Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani and Qatari Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi attended the signing, alongside executives from TotalEnergies, Enka, Hyundai, and CPECC.

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanné said that with all four GGIP components - oil, gas, water, and solar - now launched, the first phase of production is expected in early 2026, employing around 7,000 Iraqis during construction.

Full text of statement from TotalEnergies:

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, and His Excellency Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Qatari Minister of State for Energy Affairs, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of QatarEnergy, met on Sunday, 14^th of September in Baghdad with His Excellency Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Prime Minister of the Republic of Iraq, and His Excellency Hayan Abulghani, Minister of Oil and Deputy Prime Minister, to announce the start of construction of the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP) and the full field development of the Ratawi oil field.

These are the two last major contracts of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), led by TotalEnergies (45%, operator) alongside its partners Basra Oil Company (30%), and QatarEnergy (25%).

With these signatures, all four parts (natural gas, solar, oil, water) of the GGIP are now in execution phase. The GGIP, a showcase project for TotalEnergies' multi-energy strategy, aims to sustainably develop Iraq's natural resources to improve the country's electricity supply while contributing to its energy independence and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.

The seawater treatment plant, a key infrastructure to preserving the country's water resources

The CSSP will be built on the coast near the town of Um Qasr. It will process and transport 5 million barrels of seawater per day to the main oil fields in southern Iraq.

Treated seawater will be substituted for the freshwater currently taken from the Tigris, Euphrates, and aquifers to maintain pressure in the oil wells. The project will therefore help alleviate water stress in the region and is expected to free up to 250,000 cubic meters of freshwater per day for irrigation and local agriculture needs.

Ongoing redevelopment of the Ratawi field, one of Iraq's lowest-emission oil sites

The Ratawi redevelopment was launched in September 2023. Phase 1 aims to increase production to 120,000 bpd and is expected to come on stream by early 2026.

The launch of phase 2 (full field development) will enable to increase production to 210,000 bpd starting in 2028 with no routine flaring.

All 160 Mcf/d of associated gas produced every day will be fully processed thanks to the 300 Mcf/d Gas Midstream Project (GMP), whose construction began early 2025. The GMP, which will also treat previously flared gas from two other fields in southern Iraq, will deliver processed gas into the national grid where it will fuel power plants with a production capacity of approximately 1.5 GW, providing electricity to 1.5 million Iraqi households. An Early Production facility to process 50 Mcf/d of associated gas will start early 2026 together with the Ratawi phase 1 oil production.

"We are delighted today to award the two final contracts of the Gas Growth Integrated Project, in particular the seawater treatment plant which has been long awaited by the oil industry in Iraq. In less than 2 years since the GGIP effective date in August 2023, TotalEnergies and its partners have fully executed their commitment towards the people of Iraq and launched all projects included in the multienergy GGIP projet, the best showcase of TotalEnergies transition strategy. All these projects will bring a significant contribution to the Iraq economy and employ during the construction phase 7,000 Iraqi nationals.," declared Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies. "Furthermore, I am proud to confirm that the first phase of the associated gas, oil and solar projects will start-up as soon as early 2026."

About the Gas Growth Integrated Project in Iraq

In 2023, TotalEnergies launched the multi-energy Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) in Iraq. The GGIP is designed to enhance the development of Iraq's natural resources to improve the country's electricity supply. This 4-in-1 project comprises the recovery of gas that is currently flared at three oil fields in southern Iraq to supply electric power plants, the redevelopment of the Ratawi oil field, the construction of a 1 GWac (1.25GWp) solar farm and of a seawater treatment plant.

(Sources: TotalEnergies, Ministry of Oil, PMO)