Iraq is accelerating efforts to counter an imminent electricity shortage after the US ended a waiver for Iranian energy imports. The Iraqi government is implementing various projects to secure energy independence, including investments in gas infrastructure and agreements with international energy firms. The situation highlights Iraq’s ongoing dependency on Iranian energy and the challenges posed by US sanctions.
Iraq is taking urgent measures to address an impending electricity shortage this summer following the United States’ decision to terminate a waiver that permitted electricity purchases from Iran. This decision forms part of the US administration’s broader sanctions strategy against Iran, aimed at mitigating its nuclear threat and limiting its military capabilities. The US embassy in Baghdad has encouraged the Iraqi government to reduce its reliance on Iranian energy sources promptly.
Despite being OPEC’s second-largest oil producer, Iraq relies on Iran for approximately one-third of its electricity, importing 50 million cubic meters of gas and 500 megawatts of electricity daily. In response to the sanctions, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani convened a meeting to strategize on the electricity supply for the summer and other ongoing energy projects.
To improve its energy independence, Iraq plans to expedite various energy projects, including the connection of power stations to gas resources and the installation of floating gas import platforms. Ahmed Moussa, spokesman for the Iraqi Electricity Ministry, described these initiatives as pivotal for diversifying gas imports.
The Minister of Electricity, Ziad Ali Fadel, presented a comprehensive plan to ensure a stable electricity supply, while the Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul Ghani, discussed strategies for fuel supply to power plants, including mobile platforms for gas. Iraq is nearing an agreement with Turkmenistan to import 20 million cubic meters of gas daily through Iran and has commenced electricity imports from Jordan through a newly established line.
Post-announcement discussions also took place, such as a meeting between the US Charge d’Affaires, Daniel Rubinstein, and the Iraqi Parliament’s Finance Committee head, Atwan Al Atwani, where the implications of the sanctions on Iraq’s electricity sector were deliberated. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry criticized the US’s withdrawal of the waiver as unlawful, reflecting ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Iraq, under US pressure, is attempting to reduce its energy dependency on Iran, having relied on its imports since 2018. Washington has periodically extended waivers to Iraq for Iranian electricity imports. Additionally, Iraq is advancing its natural gas production capabilities, highlighted by collaborations with foreign companies, including an agreement with the Ukrainian firm Ukrzemresurs to enhance gas output and a $27 billion partnership with TotalEnergies for comprehensive energy projects, including renewable sources.
In summary, Iraq is vigorously addressing an expected electricity shortage due to recent US sanctions that have curtailed its ability to procure energy from Iran. The government is undertaking significant energy projects and fostering international partnerships to secure a more stable and independent energy supply. As Iraq moves forward, its strategies will heavily influence its energy landscape and geopolitical relations in the region.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
