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To diversify power supply, Iraq signs framework deal with Gulf countries

New agreement could link Iraq into the GCC’s "energy highway," in an effort to meet rising electricity demand and reduce dependence on Iran.
Iraqi Electricity Minister Luay al-Khateeb (left) and GCCIA CEO Ahmed Ali al-Ebrahim sign a framework agreement to link Iraq to the GCC power grid on Sept. 15, 2019, in Baghdad. (SAMYA KULLAB/Iraq Oil Report)

BAGHDAD - Iraq’s Electricity Ministry signed a framework agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) on Sunday, in a step toward diversifying sources of power supply in the wake of U.S. pressure on the government to lessen its reliance on energy trade with Iran.

"The initial agreement will secure 500 megawatts of supply to Basra via Kuwait, around the summer of 2020," said Electricity Minister Luay al-Khateeb. "And as we progress with the development of interconnectivity it will move up close to 2,000 megawatts."

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