Iraq electricity sector makes slow progress
9 May 2024
Latest news from Iraq's power and water sectors:
> Iraq plans new Baiji power plant
> Decision imminent on Iraq waste-to-energy project
> Iraq discusses nuclear projects with global watchdog
> Siemens Energy and SLB sign Iraq flare gas-to-power deal
> PowerChina in talks for Basra desalination plant
> US seeks firms for Baghdad power plant package
> Iraq plans green hydrogen project at refinery
> Iraq approves long-term grid expansion
In late March, Iraq’s Electricity Ministry struck a five-year gas supply deal with National Iranian Gas Company for up to 50 million cubic metres a day (cm/d), contingent on the needs of Iraqi power stations, in exchange for oil and gasoline.
The deal offers a lifeline to Iraq’s deteriorating electricity sector and replaces an existing agreement whereby contractual volumes were theoretically set at 70 million cm/d for summer and 45 million cm/d for winter.
The two countries signed the deal following nearly three months of longer-than-usual power outages in Iraq, and after Baghdad settled part of the multibillion-dollar debt it owes Iran. The power cuts occurred due to a drastic reduction in Irani gas supply, which dipped to 10 million cm/d and wiped out 4GW from Iraq’s grid.
The deal is a compromise for both countries. It allows Iraq some breathing space to implement projects to reduce its dependence on Iran’s gas exports – a long-running and elusive objective among Iraq’s policymakers and its allies in the GCC states and the US.
The crisis should prompt Iraq to push ahead with projects to boost domestic gas production and build solar power plants, according to the Electricity Ministry.
Supply and demand mismatch
There has been a persistent mismatch between supply and demand in Iraq’s electricity sector, with peak demand during the summer months outstripping available capacity by a sizeable margin.
In recent years, the deficit has returned during the winter when heating requirements rise.
With a few exceptions, however, the procurement process or negotiations for additional generation capacity have been proceeding slowly, leaving a gap that is typically addressed by diesel generators.
Iraq aspires to build 12,000MW of solar capacity by the end of the decade, which is nearly half its known available capacity today.
The Electricity Ministry has signed deals with several companies to develop sizeable solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity over the past two to three years in line with this objective. Yet, despite regular pronouncements that the construction phase for these projects is about to start, none have reached final investment decisions (FIDs) or the construction phase so far.
The Electricity Ministry remains the dominant client for these projects, although the National Investment Commission (NIC) has been an active participant, particularly in bilateral or public-private partnership projects.
For example, the UAE’s Masdar signed a deal to develop 2GW of solar capacity in Iraq with the NIC. The commission is also procuring a contract to develop the country’s first waste-to-energy (WTE) project in coordination with the Municipality of Baghdad, the Electricity Ministry and the Environment Ministry.
Located in the Al Nahrawan area of Baghdad Governorate, the planned WTE project will have the capacity to treat 3,000 tonnes of waste a day and generate nearly 80 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity.
Other companies that have committed to develop solar PV projects in Iraq include Power China, which has pledged to develop solar PV projects with a combined total capacity of 2GW, and France’s Total Energies, which has committed to build a 1,000MW solar farm in Artawi.
The solar project in Artawi is a small part of a $27bn package that TotalEnergies is developing in partnership with QatarEnergy. The package involves the development of a common seawater supply project and oil and gas fields in Iraq.
Awarded projects
As earlier cited, there are some exceptions to the endemic start-stop mode for Iraq’s power generation and distribution projects.
For example, Germany’s Siemens Energy and the US-based GE have ongoing projects that include retrofitting or upgrading existing gas turbine power stations or building new substations as part of agreements to help rebuild Iraq and support its goal of reducing carbon emissions.
Earlier this month, the Electricity Ministry signed a preliminary agreement with Germany’s Siemens Energy and US firm SLB, formerly Schlumberger, to explore the development of a power generation plant using flare gas.
According to Siemens Energy Middle East managing director Dietmar Siersdorfer, the planned flare gas-to-power project in southern Iraq will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and capture value from gas that would otherwise be wasted.
The planned flare gas-to-power plant could have a generation capacity of up to 2,000MW.
In January this year, China-based Oriental International is understood to have signed a contract to convert a single-cycle unit at the Baghdad South power plant complex into a combined-cycle power plant.
In April, the Electricity Ministry awarded another Chinese company, China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), a second year of operation and maintenance contracts for the Salah Al Din gas-fired power plant.
CMEC was awarded the estimated $1bn contract to build the power plant in northern Iraq in 2011. After a series of delays and challenges, including the Isis uprising, the two 630MW capacity units began operating last year.
In December last year, Siemens Energy also signed a contract to deliver five high-voltage substations on a turnkey basis in Iraq. The 400-kilovolt substations, each with a capacity of 1,500MW, will be installed in Baghdad, Diyala, Najaf, Karbala and Basra.
Similarly, the US’s preoccupation with helping wean Iraq off Iran’s gas and electricity imports has spurred projects to interconnect Iraq’s grid with its neighbour Saudi Arabia through the GCC grid and Jordan.
In October last year, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Prince Saud Bin Naif Bin Abdulaziz, inaugurated the GCC grid's Iraq connection, which had been under development for several years. The 295-kilometre power transmission network will have a total transmission capacity of 1,800MW, with an initial phase expected to supply 500MW of electricity to Iraq.
Future projects
In February this year, Electricity Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa said the government had approved funds for the long-term plans to expand the country’s power transmission and distribution network with Siemens Energy’s help.
Mousa said the ministry “received funds for long-term plans to develop the electricity sector in 2023 … the three-year budget approved in 2023 also includes funds this year and in 2025”.
In early May, it was reported that the Electricity Ministry held discussions with Qatar’s UCC Holding to develop a 2,100MW gas-fired power plant in Baiji. The plant will replace a power station that was damaged during the war.
It is unclear if the project is part of a previous agreement between UCC Holding and NIC to develop two power plants with a capacity of 2,400MW in Iraq.
A new 2,000MW gas-fired power plant is also being proposed in Basra, which is expected to receive gas from the nearby West Qurna 1 and West Qurna 2 oil fields.
As it is, several projects are waiting for final approvals, such as the gas-fired 2,800MW Khairat independent power producer, which has yet to reach FID over two years after the contract was awarded.
Going nuclear
Project delays and indecision in Iraq do not appear to narrow down the options for future power generation expansion.
In March, it was reported that senior Iraq and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials had discussed Iraq’s plans for a possible nuclear energy programme, including small modular reactors.
According to the nuclear watchdog, discussions included maintaining strict adherence to non-proliferation norms.
IAEA director general Rafael Mariano Grossi said his agency has committed to supporting the foundations of what should be an entirely peaceful programme in Iraq.
Iraq, for its part, is considering nuclear energy to enable greater energy security and for water desalination projects as part of the country’s plans for a more sustainable future.
Register for MEED's guest program now to access this article.
Exclusive from Meed
-
Sumitomo team submits Facility E bid25 July 2024
-
Iraq drives Gulf projects market growth25 July 2024
-
Abu Dhabi tenders 400MW battery storage contract25 July 2024
-
Transforming Riyadh into a world-class city25 July 2024
-
WTTCO tenders water pipeline and reservoir packages25 July 2024
All of this is only 1% of what MEED.com has to offer
Subscribe now and unlock all the 153,671 articles on MEED.com
- All the latest news, data, and market intelligence across MENA at your fingerprints
- First-hand updates and inside information on projects, clients and competitors that matter to you
- 20 years' archive of information, data, and news for you to access at your convenience
- Strategize to succeed and minimise risks with timely analysis of current and future market trends
Related Articles
-
Sumitomo team submits Facility E bid
25 July 2024
A team led by Japan's Sumitomo Corporation submitted a bid for the contract to develop and operate Qatar’s Facility E independent water and power producer (IWPP) project.
Qatar state utility General Electricity & Water Corporation (Kahramaa) previously extended the tender closing date for the contract in response to developers’ requests, as MEED reported.
Kahramaa received the single bid on 25 July.
Sumitomo is understood to have submitted a proposal for the contract along with fellow Japanese utility developer Shikoku Electric, and Seoul-headquartered Korea Overseas Infrastructure & Urban Development Corporation and Korea Southern Power Company.
The developer consortium's engineering, procurement and consortium (EPC) partner is South Korea's Samsung C&T, according to sources close to the project.
The Facility E IWPP scheme will have a power generation capacity of 2,300MW and a water desalination capacity of 100 million imperial gallons a day (MIGD).
The contract to develop the Facility E IWPP was first tendered in 2019. The three teams that submitted bids for the contract in August 2020 were:
- Engie (France) / Mitsui (Japan) / Yonden (Shikoku Electric, Japan)
- Sumitomo / Kansai Electric (Japan)
- Marubeni / Kyushu Electric (Japan)
The original plan was for Facility E IWPP to have a power generation capacity of about 2,300MW and a desalination component of 100MIGD once fully operational.
However, Kahramaa revised the power plant’s design capacity to 2,600MW and sought alternative prices from bidders.
Kahramaa eventually cancelled and reissued the tender in September 2023. The current tender entails a power generation plant with the same capacity as initially tendered in 2019.
MEED understands that the new target commercial operation date for the Facility E IWPP project has been moved to 2027.
The state utility’s transaction advisory team includes UK-headquartered PwC and Clyde & Co as financial and legal advisers, respectively, led by Belgrade-headquartered Energoprojekt as technical adviser.
Facility E is Qatar’s fifth IWPP scheme. Completed and operational IWPPs include three projects in Ras Laffan – known as Facilities A, B and C – and Facility D in Umm Al-Houl.
Awarded in 2015 and completed in 2018, Facility D was developed by a Japanese consortium of Mitsubishi Corporation and Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco). South Korea's Samsung C&T was the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12220438/main.gif -
Iraq drives Gulf projects market growth
25 July 2024
The Gulf Projects Index rose by 0.7% from 7 June to 12 July, spurred by value gain in the Iraq projects market and, to a lesser extent, the UAE projects market, while the Saudi projects market experienced a slight contraction.
The rise in the index represents the 16th consecutive month of upward trending value in the regional projects market, dating back to March 2023.
Iraq rail plans
The Iraqi projects market gained $26.3bn in value, or 7%, due to the reactivation of plans for a national network of high-speed rail connections across the country, from north to south as well as east to west. The costs of these Iraq rail schemes, which have been under study in various forms for several decades, are relatively indeterminate, but run into the tens of billions of dollars. The rail network is now in the design phase.
In another major development for the country, the $27bn Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) being undertaken by the National Oil Company and Basra Oil Company, in partnership with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy, has also passed from study into front-end engineering and design.
Elsewhere in the region, the UAE projects markets increased in value by $10.6bn, or 1.3%, while Saudi Arabia’s projects market shrank by a comparable $13.9bn, though lesser 0.7%, reducing its value to around about the value it held
in mid-May.The other countries in the GCC and wider Gulf saw comparatively minor changes, with Qatar’s projects market adding $3.9bn or 1.7%, Bahrain’s projects market adding $2bn or 2.9%, Iran’s projects market adding $1.4bn or 0.5%, and Oman’s projects market adding a marginal $0.2bn or 0.1%. Kuwait’s project market value slipped by $0.7bn or 0.4%.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12219885/main.gif -
Abu Dhabi tenders 400MW battery storage contract
25 July 2024
State offtaker Emirates Water & Electricity Company (Ewec) has invited prequalified companies to submit their proposals for a contract to develop and operate an independent 400MW battery energy storage system (bess) power project in Abu Dhabi.
Ewec expects to receive bids by the fourth quarter of 2024.
The planned facility is expected to provide up to 800 megawatt-hours (MWh) of storage capacity.
Called Bess 1, the project will closely follow the model of Ewec's independent power project (IPP) programme, in which developers enter into a long-term energy storage agreement (ESA) with Ewec as the sole procurer.
The first plant will be in Al-Bihouth, approximately 45 kilometres (km) southwest of Abu Dhabi, and the second plant will be in Madinat Zayed, about 160km southwest of the city.
According to Ewec, the request for proposals is being issued to 27 prequalified companies and consortiums, out of the 93 companies that submitted an expression of interest to bid for the contract in April this year.
It did not specify the prequalified companies.
MEED previously reported that the companies that submitted SOQs to bid for the contract include:
- Acwa Power (Saudi Arabia)
- EDF (France)
- GE (US)
- Jera (Japan)
- Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco, South Korea)
- Marubeni Corporation (Japan)
- Samsung C&T (South Korea)
Sources also cited that "several Chinese Bess manufacturers and suppliers" have applied to prequalify as investors in the project.
The ESA will be for 15 years, commencing on the project's commercial operation date, which falls in the third quarter of 2026.
According to Ewec, the Bess project will provide additional flexibility to the system and ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation.
"Ewec is deploying BESS to enhance the flexibility and stability of Abu Dhabi’s energy network, allowing for the effective management of peak demand and integration of increasing amounts of renewable energy," the utility said in a media statement on 25 July.
It added: "BESS technology will also provide crucial ancillary services such as frequency response and voltage regulation, further reinforcing the security of supply and supporting Ewec to increase its solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to 7.5 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.
"This accelerated growth in renewables will significantly reduce the carbon dioxide intensity of Ewec's power supply, from 330 kilograms per megawatt hour (kg/MWh) in 2019 to an estimated 190 kg/MWh by 2030."
Global BESS market
The overall capacity of deployed Bess globally is expected to reach 127GW by 2027, up from an estimated cumulative deployment of 36.7GW at the end of 2023, according to a recent GlobalData report.
The report cited Chinese companies BYD and CATL and South Korean companies LG Energy Solutions and Samsung SDI among the top battery technology providers globally.
Related read: Abu Dhabi tenders 2.5GW Taweelah C contract
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12219884/main.gif -
Transforming Riyadh into a world-class city
25 July 2024
Riyadh is changing fast. As the Saudi capital, it is not only located in the country’s geographical centre, but also at the heart of Vision 2030 and the kingdom’s economic transformation, with a wide range of ambitious development projects.
The city wants to be one of the best in the world. “The strategic vision for Riyadh focuses on transforming it into a world-class city that is sustainable, innovative and culturally rich,” says Fahad AlSolaie, deputy mayor for digital transformation and smart cities at Riyadh Region Municipality.
“The vision includes improving quality of life for residents, diversifying the economy away from oil dependence, and promoting green and smart urban development.”
Riyadh’s ambitions are driven by population growth and people visiting the city for major global events. “Riyadh is expected to experience significant population growth in the coming years, driven by its economic expansion and global events hosted by the kingdom, such as Expo 2030 and major sports events,” says AlSolaie.
“Additionally, the presence of large-scale unique projects like the King Abdullah Global Gardens, the development of Wadi Al-Sulay, King Salman Park and others contribute to the city’s attractiveness and livability, further boosting population growth. It is targeted for the population of Riyadh to reach 10 million residents, reflecting its rising prominence as a business and cultural hub. This growth will enhance Riyadh’s status as a dynamic urban centre, equipped to meet the evolving needs of its expanding population.”
The vision includes improving quality of life, diversifying the economy, and promoting green and smart urban development
Fahad AlSolaie, Riyadh Region MunicipalityInfrastructure projects
Riyadh Region Municipality is playing a key role in the city’s development. “Riyadh municipality is responsible for a wide array of infrastructure projects that are crucial for the city’s development and sustainability. These include paving, asphalting and road stabilisation projects, which are essential for maintaining and improving the city’s road networks,” says AlSolaie.
“The municipality develops public parks, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to provide recreational spaces. Bridge and tunnel construction and ongoing enhancements are also a significant focus, aimed at improving traffic flow and connectivity across the city. Furthermore, Riyadh is committed to extensive lighting projects and the maintenance of these systems, with the city one of the largest globally in terms of the number of streetlight poles.”
A key responsibility of the municipality is to maintain the city’s cleanliness and environmental health, adds AlSolaie. “This involves regular street cleaning, waste management and pollution control measures to keep the city clean and environmentally sustainable. These efforts are integral to quality of life, contributing to the vision of making Riyadh a more livable and accessible urban environment.”
Signature schemesThe municipality is also involved in the delivery of a series of signature projects in and around Riyadh. “The King Abdullah Global Gardens project aims to create a vast green space that combines natural landscapes with high-tech interactive exhibits, promoting environmental education and sustainability,” says AlSolaie.
The Wadi Al-Sulay development, meanwhile, is focused on transforming Wadi Al-Sulay into a recreational and cultural destination, featuring amenities that encourage outdoor activities and community gatherings.
The municipality collaborates extensively with other government agencies and private sector partners to ensure cohesive and integrated development. This includes coordinating efforts on large-scale projects, urban planning and infrastructure improvements to support the city’s growth.
“The municipality ensures alignment with master developers and major projects through regulatory frameworks, strategic planning sessions and collaborative platforms that facilitate integration of infrastructure projects and urban development efforts across the city,” says AlSolaie.
With aspirations to become one of the world’s most advanced cities, digital transformation is helping Riyadh achieve its goals. “Digital transformation is vital for Riyadh Municipality for several compelling reasons. Firstly, it enhances service efficiency by adopting digital technologies, streamlining operations, reducing manual processes, minimising errors and speeding up response times. This not only improves service delivery, but also cuts operational costs, allowing for better resource allocation.
“Secondly, it improves citizen engagement through digital platforms that enable interactive and responsive communication. Citizens can easily access information, request services and provide feedback, enhancing transparency and building trust.
“Thirdly, digital transformation fosters innovation in urban management using technologies such as the Internet of Things , artificial intelligence and big data analytics to optimise urban functionalities like smart waste monitor manholes and public safety.
“Additionally, it supports economic diversification by modernising infrastructure and services, thus attracting new businesses, especially in the technology sector, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” says AlSolaie.
Online services
Riyadh Region Municipality is moving its services online as part of the digital transformation. “Riyadh municipality is progressively digitising its services by offering e-services platforms where residents can access various municipal services such as mobile applications, geoportal web application and service requests online, thus increasing accessibility and convenience,” says AlSolaie.
The drive to digitise will enable Riyadh to become a smart city. “By implementing advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and geographic information systems, Riyadh Municipality is optimising key city functions such as reducing and monitoring visual pollution, enhancing public safety and conducting environmental monitoring,” he says.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12219710/main.gif -
WTTCO tenders water pipeline and reservoir packages
25 July 2024
State-owned Saudi water transmission and storage operator Water Transmission & Technologies Company (WTTCO) has issued two tenders involving a contract to build a water transmission pipeline in Dammam City and an engineering design services contract for water reservoir stations.
The first contract is for the supply and installation of a water transmission system for the Second Industrial City in Dammam.
WTTCO expects to receive proposals for this contract by 1 August.
The second request for proposals involves a contract to provide engineering and design services for phases 2 and 3 of WTTCO’s strategic water reservoir station projects.
The two phases cover reservoir stations in 150 locations and about 750 kilometres of water transmission pipeline.
WTTCO expects to receive proposals from engineering consultancy firms for this contract by 4 August.
The company has embarked on one of the world’s largest water conveyance and storage programmes as it seeks to increase potable water supply capacity across the kingdom.
The expenditure programme, which WTTCO estimates is worth up to SR140bn ($38bn) by 2030, covers 396 individual projects, MEED reported in May.
WTTCO’s objectives by 2027 are to have a total network size of 15,000km, 9.5 million cubic-metres-a-day transmission capacity, 118 pumping stations and more than 900 storage tanks.
The capital expenditure programme was outlined in a WTTCO presentation at the Future Projects Forum in Riyadh on 20 May.
https://image.digitalinsightresearch.in/uploads/NewsArticle/12219515/main.jpg