Eastern Province deputy governor patronizes Gulf-Iraq electricity link contract

Snapshot of the agreement signing

Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, sponsored the signing of a contract to link the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Project with Iraq at the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) headquarters in Dammam. He also inaugurated a project to upgrade the authority's control center systems for the grid network.

The upgrade aims at improving the efficiency and flexibility of electricity systems to address future challenges, which includes enhanced cybersecurity to protect against cyberattacks, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and boosting grid stability and operational capacity, in line with global clean energy trends, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, quoting the Deputy Governor.

For more news and details on the projects

The official emphasized that linking the Gulf electricity interconnection with Iraq will ensure a sustainable energy supply, support local projects, and enhance Iraq’s grid stability. This will reduce reliance on costly traditional energy sources and improve resource utilization.

He further stated that the Gulf electrical interconnection is a strategic project that strengthens cooperation between GCC countries and neighbors. The project has received support from GCC leaders to ensure energy security and stability in the region.

GCCIA CEO Ahmed Al-Ibrahim said the Gulf electricity interconnection, since its launch in 2009, is one of the key infrastructure projects approved by GCC leaders. It has successfully achieved its goals and provided significant economic benefits.

He noted that the project has prevented any partial or total blackout in GCC electricity networks, providing 100% support during emergencies through energy transfers across a network spanning over 1,000 kilometers from Kuwait to Oman. Over 2,800 support cases have been recorded since its launch, including over 50 related to renewable energy loss.

The project has saved approximately $3.6 billion since inception compared to $1.5 billion in investment and operating costs. Al-Ibrahim emphasized that the project is looking at expansion, with signed agreements for potential connections with Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt.

He announced that the interconnection with Iraq will begin operations early next year, marking a key step toward expansion into Turkey, Europe, and beyond. He highlighted the vision of reaching new regions through electricity.

Al-Ibrahim explained that the project with Iraq will strengthen energy security and allow GCC countries to supply Iraq with approximately 3.94 terawatt-hours annually by 2025, at lower costs than local production, reducing public expenses.