By: Utilities middle east

The Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) and Iraq’s Ministry of Electricity have finalized preparations for a major regional electricity interconnection project, with operations scheduled to commence in the first half of 2026. The two parties recently held a meeting in Bahrain to review the operational mechanisms for connecting southern Iraq to the Gulf electricity grid.

According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), discussions focused on integrating Iraq’s southern network with the GCC grid and exploring pathways for electricity exports to Iraq. Both sides assessed operational readiness, reviewed contracts to be signed before the project launch, and examined initial frameworks for power purchase agreements, supported by visual presentations of each party’s electrical network.

Engineer Ahmed Al-Ebrahim, CEO of GCCIA, stated that the interconnection will create new opportunities for regional electricity trade and support the GCC’s goals of establishing a competitive electricity market. The project is expected to enhance bilateral energy cooperation, contribute to grid stability, and enable power exports from GCC countries to Iraq.