Iraq
A handout picture released by Iraq's Prime Minister's Media Office shows Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani (R) and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) standing during the signing of deals between the two countries at the PM's office in Baghdad's Green Zone on June 15, 2023. Photo: PM Sudani's office
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s ministry of electricity confirmed on Saturday that Iraq is holding talks with Qatar to boost energy in the country, as Iraqis struggle with power cuts in the summer heat.
“Qatar is a member of the Gulf Interconnection Authority, and its agreement with Iraq regarding the gas file includes the rehabilitation of fields and the conclusion of partnerships to exchange experiences,” Ahmed Mousa, the spokesperson of Iraqi electricity ministry told Iraqi News Agency (INA).
“The extent to which this issue relates to the Ministry of Electricity is being discussed in this regard between the two countries” he added.
Despite its large oil and gas reserves, Iraq suffers from chronic electricity shortages, especially felt when summer temperatures reach over 50 degrees Celsius, caused by multiple factors, including poor government delivery of services, rampant corruption, and terror attacks on the power grid.
On June 15, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani visited Iraq where he met with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.
Following the meeting, Sudani’s office said the two countries had signed agreements on various projects including oil and gas supply to Iraq. The country’s National Investment Authority also signed memorandums of understanding with Qatari firms in the construction sector.
QatarEnergy is part of the projects implemented by TotalEnergies, owning a 25 percent stake in a plan aimed at improving the way Iraq’s gas resources are used.
The government has sought different ways to combat the poor conditions by importing electricity from neighboring countries.
Iraq and Saudi Arabia signed an electricity interconnection agreement last year, which will see Baghdad linking its electric power grid with the Gulf, implementing a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries earlier the same year.
The projects are aimed at reducing Iraq’s reliance on neighboring Iran for its gas imports. US sanctions waivers have allowed Iraq to purchase the gas without facing obstacles, but Washington has urged Baghdad to find alternative sources.
Iraq is still one of the world’s largest gas flaring countries. The flaring process is when oil wells burn the excess gas they can't store or use, and is a convenient way to deal with the waste product known as associated petroleum gas, however the process is among the main reasons for global climate change.
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