Iraq cooperates with Russia on peaceful nuclear energy projects.

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity announced on Sunday the signing of memoranda of understanding with Russia to utilize peaceful nuclear energy.

The ministry indicated a plan to add a total of 11,000 megawatts of new capacity to the Iraqi electricity grid.

Ministry of Electricity spokesman Ahmed Musa said, "The approved government plan includes the construction of new investment power plants in several governorates, as well as the provision of modern agile technology in thermal power plants, with a production capacity of up to 11,000 megawatts operating on dual fuel and a combination of simple and combined cycles, adding advanced generating capacities to load centers." He added, "The transmission system is undergoing continuous modernization according to an integrated technical plan to achieve comprehensive interconnection between transmission lines in all governorates. Meanwhile, the ministry and the government continue their efforts towards smart transformation in the electricity distribution network, by adopting electronic payment systems and commercial and economic models supported by the government as part of the digital transformation process, which contributes to governance and reduces cash flow."
He pointed out that "the ministry has begun installing modern cooling systems in all production plants to raise operational efficiency and increase production capacity without the need to consume additional fuel."

Moussa continued, "The plan also includes projects to harness wind and solar energy and waste recycling, in addition to memoranda of understanding with the Russian side regarding the possibility of utilizing peaceful nuclear energy in the future."

He said, "The doors are open to all international and local companies to invest in the Iraqi electricity sector, as the ministry has provided an attractive and secure investment environment, with flexible financial and commercial models, in addition to the available opportunities in the fields of gas, thermal, and solar power plants, waste recycling, as well as smart transformation and electronic payment."