Intending to improve energy security and introduce an era of cooperation Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz (Eastern Province governor), inaugurated a new electrical interconnection project with the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority and Iraq. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman (Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister) proclaimed that the connection was a dream come true in a recent interview, he states that the deal could bring forth meaningful economic rewards and improve energy security.
The Iraq electrical interconnection project involves the implementation of a dual-circuit transmission line connecting Afra (the northern city in Saudi Arabia) to Yusufiya in western Baghdad. It is expected to be able to supply 1,000 megawatts and adjust its capacity to cater for the rising demands of the growing Iraqi population. The GCCIA (Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority) looks to begin distributing electricity to Southern Iraq before the end of 2024. The goal is to support the Iraqi electrical grid and improve energy security in the region.
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The capacity of the Iraq Electrical Interconnection Project
The project will be the first to be carried out outside the grid system of the GCC countries (Gulf Cooperation Countries). It plans to cater for some of the demand for electric power in southern Iraq. The project will include a 400 Kilovolt dual-circuit transmission line bringing together the Al-Zour Substation, and the 400kV Al-Wafrah and then finally reaching the Al-Faw Substation. The total distance of the project will be 322km long. The predicted capacity being imported through this project is estimated to be approximately 500 megawatts, which will cater to the electric power needs of the Basra governorate, according to released statements.
The project is said to ensure a consistent and efficient supply of electrical power to accomplish the goals of growth and development in Iraq providing quality energy for the foreseeable future.
