Iraq
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh along the Iraqi-Jordanian border to launch a new power line project on October 6, 2022. Photo: PM Kadhimi's office
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s Prime Minster on Thursday met with his Jordanian counterpart to lay the foundation stone for the electrical interconnection project, as the country continues to tackle chronic electricity shortages.
The plan is part of a larger project between Iraq, Gulf countries, Jordan, and Egypt.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi met with Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher al-Khasawneh along the Iraqi-Jordanian border to launch the project, set to add 150 megawatts of electricity to Iraq, according to the country’s electricity ministry.
The Arab leaders talked about additional efforts required, especially in mitigating the effects of the global economic situation on the energy sector, and touched upon holding an upcoming tripartite meeting.
"The mechanism of tripartite cooperation between Iraq, Jordan and Egypt constitutes a model for joint Arab cooperation and coordination," Khasawneh said during the ceremony.
"We lay the foundation stone for the project, and we stress the need for serious work and the correct and proper implementation of this project and others, for the sake of Iraq and the Iraqis," Kadhimi stated.
The interconnection line with Jordan will become operational in June 2023, according to a statement from Kadhimi.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan applauded the announcement of the power line project, saying “We fully support Iraq’s efforts to build an integrated regional energy infrastructure.”
Iraq and Jordan have a history of strong relations and both sides discussed the importance of enhancing bilateral relations.
Kadhimi also praised the efforts of the current Iraqi government in implementing its projects despite the ongoing political stalemate almost a year since the country held elections.
Iraq suffers from chronic electricity shortages, especially felt when summer temperatures reach scorching levels of over 50 degrees Celsius. The high temperatures subsequently push citizens to consume very high amounts of power.
In an attempt to increase the country’s electricity supply, Iraq reached an agreement with Jordan to import 150 megawatts of power in late 2022, and has reportedly finished its technical supplies to import 500 megawatts from Turkey.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia on July 15 signed an electricity interconnection agreement, which will see Baghdad linking its electric power grid with the Gulf, implementing a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries on the same topic earlier this year.
By Klawdia Martani
Updated at 10:29PM with Kadhimi and Sullivan statements
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