Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani chaired the 28th regular session of the Council of Ministers, where several significant decisions were made in the fields of energy and development. The session focused on the country’s general situation, addressing various agenda topics, and reaching crucial resolutions.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Council of Ministers made several key decisions in the energy sector. Notably, it decided to increase the financial powers of the Director General of the Iraqi Drilling Company for a joint venture contract with the private sector, while exempting the Oil Projects Company from a previous Cabinet Resolution to facilitate the completion of specific contracts. Additionally, the Council approved a recommendation regarding the route of a 48-knot pipeline for transporting crude oil, exempting it from certain environmental regulations.
In efforts to enhance electricity generation, the Council approved the expansion of the Mansouriya Gas Power Plant. The project, which involves two gas-fired combined-cycle units with a capacity of 750 MW, will be executed by a consortium including GE Global and General Electric Global Services, alongside Ontex Trading and Calik Energy. The project includes commitments to maintain fixed contract pricing and environmental impact considerations.
The Council further approved a proposal for the electronic reading of electricity meters in areas not covered by the smart transformation project, awarding the proposal to Ibn Rushd General Company/Baghdad Municipality. This decision marks an exception to typical contracting methods, aligning with directives from the Ministry of Electricity.
Additionally, the Council addressed the waste treatment and electricity generation project in Abu Ghraib, approving necessary corrections to the plot number and reallocating land previously designated to the Ministry of Defense. The National Investment Commission was authorized to announce and solicit bids for the project.
On the international front, the Council authorized the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Planning to negotiate and sign the United Nations Framework for Sustainable Development Cooperation for 2025-2029. Furthermore, the Council took steps to address stalled infrastructure projects, approving increased reserves and total project costs to facilitate their completion.