GCCIA eyes power grid extension to Jordan, Egypt after Iraq
DAMMAM, October 9, 2024
By the beginning of 2025, the actual operation of the GCC power grid connection with Iraq will begin, enabling Gulf countries to supply the West Asian nation with 3.94 terawatt-hours annually by 2025 representing a promising step toward reaching Turkey, Europe, and the entire world, said senior GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) officials at a ceremony held at its headquarters in Dammam today (October 9) where a landmark agreement was signed with Iraq connecting it to the Gulf power market.
With the Iraq scheme reaching its fruition next year, the focus is now on expanding the grid further to include its neighbours - Jordan and Egypt.
Tangible steps have been taken through the signing of MoUs to explore the possibility of connecting it with Jordan and Egypt after Iraq, revealed the GCCIA officials at the signing ceremony held under the sponsorship of Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province.
It was attended by Engineer Ahmed Al Ebrahim, the CEO of GCCIA, and Engineer Saleh Al Amri, the CEO of the GCC Lab and several other officials.
At the event, Prince Saud also launched a project for the upgradation of the systems of GCCIA Control Centre mainly aimed at helping improve the efficiency and resilience of the electricity grid as well as addressing the current and future challenges.
The new systems also incorporate advanced cybersecurity measures, protecting against increasing cyber threats and ensuring continuous and safe operations.
Prince Saud commended the dedication of those working at GCCIA to ensure the security and continuity of energy flow in the GCC countries.
“The implementation of the project will contribute to the sustainability of energy supply, the establishment of local projects, and the enhancement of the stability of Iraq’s electricity grid. This will help cut reliance on expensive traditional energy sources and increase the efficient use of available resources. During my visit, I observed the great ambition of those leading this vital project,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the Gulf electricity interconnection project is a strategic initiative that strengthens cooperation in economic and social fields between the GCC countries and neighbouring states.
The project enjoys the support of the esteemed leaders of the GCC nations in their efforts to ensure the security and stability of the region's energy system, he added.
Key linkage project
Since its official launch in 2009, the Gulf electricity interconnection project has been one of the most significant infrastructure linkage projects endorsed by the leaders of the GCC countries, stated Al Ebrahim.
The project has generated savings of approximately $3.6 billion, compared to the investment and operational costs, which amounted to around $1.5 billion,” he added.
Since its inception, the project has helped the GCC countries avoid any partial or complete blackouts with a 100% success rate, by providing immediate support during emergencies and transferring the required energy through the electricity network that spans more than 1,000 km from Kuwait to Oman.
"So far, we have provided over 2,800 instances of support, including more than 50 cases related to renewable energy losses due to the drop in renewable energy production,” he added.
According to him, the actual operation of the connection with Iraq will commence by the beginning of next year, thus representing a promising step toward reaching Turkey, Europe, and the entire world.
"Our vision is, wherever electricity reaches, we will reach," remarked Al Ebrahim.
The project, he stated, will enhance energy security and enable GCC countries to supply Iraq with approximately 3.94 terawatt-hours annually by 2025, at competitive prices lower than local production costs, which will help reduce public expenditures.
He highlighted the importance of expanding the project beyond merely ensuring energy flow.
In his address, Al Amri said: “Under the supervision of the Saudi Ministry of Energy, the GCC Lab has become one of the world’s largest and most advanced energy labs. The lab, located in Dammam’s Third Industrial City, was established with a budget exceeding SR1.1 billion ($290 million). It provides testing, consulting, inspection, and training services across various technical fields and has certified over 11,000 individuals in more than 130 global professional certifications."
"It has also formed strategic local and international partnerships with leading manufacturers, service providers, universities, and research institutes. Additionally, the lab has played a vital role in certifying hundreds of Saudi and international products entering and leaving the kingdom's markets,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service
