Amman, April 15 (Petra) -- The second phase of the electrical interconnection project between Jordan and Iraq is nearing completion, according to Director General of the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), Sufyan Bataineh.

In a statement on Tuesday, Batainah said that the project, which aims to supply the Al-Qaim area in Iraq with electricity at a voltage of 400 kilovolts, is expected to be fully completed by the end of August 2025.

He noted that despite various challenges facing the Jordan-Iraq interconnection project, they have been successfully overcome. Upon completion, the project is expected to supply Iraq with approximately 150 to 200 megawatts of electricity.

Batainah emphasized the strategic importance of the project in advancing regional integration in the energy sector. Jordan’s power grid is already interconnected with Egypt’s through a 550 MVA submarine cable operating at 400 kilovolts, and with Syria’s grid through a single-circuit overhead transmission line at the same voltage level.

In parallel, Jordan continues to supply electricity to the Palestinian side through the Al-Rama substation, operating at 33 kilovolts, to serve the Jericho and Jerusalem with up to 80 megawatts. Additionally, the Rutba region in Iraq is currently being supplied from Jordan's Risha substation via a 132 kilovolt line, with a load of approximately 40 megawatts.

The Jordan-Iraq interconnection is seen as a strategic step toward achieving energy security for both nations, while fostering mutual reliance in the energy sector and supporting broader economic and regional stability.

Looking ahead, regional interconnection efforts are expected to grow through the Jordan-Saudi Arabia electrical interconnection project, which will have an initial capacity of 500 megawatts. The project is expected to open new avenues for cross-border electricity exchange, strengthen the Arab common electricity market, and enhance energy supply security.

Both sides are currently finalizing the necessary agreements in preparation for signing and implementation.

//Petra// WH

15/04/2025 11:44:23