Baghdad: The Ministry of Electricity has provided clarification on the principles of its collaboration with Siemens Energy, focusing on enhancing electricity generation and transmission and addressing network bottlenecks.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry’s statement highlighted that their cooperative efforts with Siemens Energy are set to introduce new projects in the electricity generation sector. These projects will involve the construction of combined-cycle and thermal power plants, utilizing highly efficient technologies and available fuel types in Iraq. The locations for these projects will be strategically selected to maximize the use of existing infrastructure, including transmission networks and fuel pipelines.

In terms of transmission, the Ministry’s statement detailed plans to equip and install new transmission stations across various regions in Iraq. These plans are based on a submitted study and align with the Ministry’s specific needs. Additionally, the collaboration aims to upgrade the efficiency of current transmission stations, resolving grid bottlenecks and enhancing response times to emergency outages.

The principles of cooperation further include maintaining existing power plants to support the electrical grid, improve efficiency, and increase production capacity. Moreover, the Ministry intends to explore financing mechanisms for these projects and implement staff training and development programs to enhance capabilities across multiple specializations.

During a signing ceremony in Berlin, Germany, under the auspices of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahib formalized a memorandum of understanding with Siemens Energy AG. This agreement, part of the fourth phase of the Iraq Energy Program, seeks to continue the development of Iraq’s electricity sector and its generation and transmission projects.