Iraq and the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) on 16 July signed a “detailed agreement” that serves as the final step towards tying in Iraq’s southern electricity grid to those of the six GCC states. Having initially aimed for supplies to begin in summer 2020, the new agreement is set to enable transmission to begin in time for summer 2024.
Iraq has become increasingly dependent on neighboring Iran to shore up its inadequate electricity infrastructure in recent years. The US has encouraged Iraq to end this dependency, and with Iran no longer a reliable supplier due to its own domestic problems, the imperative for Iraq to secure new power-links has deepened. (CONTINUED - 1597 WORDS)
