Electricity Interconnection Project with Iraq

The Electricity Interconnection Project with Iraq is an initiative by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to connect the electricity interconnection network of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the south of the Republic of Iraq. The project was initiated with funding from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and its implementation contract was signed between the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and the Iraqi Ministry of Electricity in 2022, on the sidelines of the Jeddah Security and Development Summit.

the Electrical Interconnection Project with Iraq aims to strengthen cooperative ties between the GCC countries and the Republic of Iraq in several fields, including economic and social aspects, in addition to a range of economic benefits. It also seeks to achieve the security and stability of interconnected networks by leveraging renewable energy and increasing opportunities for its utilization. Furthermore, the project contributes to creating a regional market in the field and aspires to establish an international market in the future.

Implementation of the Electrical Interconnection Project with Iraq began in 2023 with an initial capacity of one thousand MW. The project extends from Arar City north of the Kingdom to Yusufiyah area west of Baghdad.

On 10 October 10, 2023, the platform for the Gulf Market Electricity Connection Project with the Republic of Iraq was inaugurated. The platform enhances efficiency for optimal utilization of the Gulf electrical interconnection and provides flexibility in usage, all executed automatically. This qualifies it as a unified solution for exchanging standardized data and serves as a foundation for future development and upgrading of the Information Management System platform for GCC countries and the Republic of Iraq.

The platform enables Iraq to exchange and trade electrical energy with GCC countries collectively, independently, or individually, offering extensive flexibility for energy exchange and trade between Iraq and GCC countries. It opens up opportunities for inter-GCC trade efficiently and effectively, in addition to reserving the required lines for transmitting electrical power among GCC countries.