In a promising development for regional energy cooperation, Jordan’s Energy Minister, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, announced that the initial phase of the electric linkage project with Iraq is set to commence this month. The ongoing discussions between the two nations are aimed at achieving a fully integrated connection.
In an interaction with Egypt’s “Energy” platform, Al-Kharabsheh shared details about the two-phase electric linkage project with Iraq. “For the first phase, an agreement has been reached with the Iraqi side to start the linkage line between the regions of ‘Al-Risha – Al-Rutba’, relying on a medium voltage. It is expected to be operational by the end of August,” he elaborated.
He added, “The second phase will involve a connection between Al-Risha and Al-Qaim regions, with a capacity of 400 kilovolts, anticipated to conclude within this month.”
In a related context, the Jordanian minister emphasized the significance of the agreement between Jordan and Iraq to increase the quantities of imported Iraqi crude oil to Jordan to 15,000 barrels daily, up from the previous 10,000 barrels.
Al-Kharabsheh mentioned that the quantities of oil imported from Iraq account for 7% of the kingdom’s requirements. Highlighting the broader energy picture, he said that Jordan’s daily oil needs hover around 130-140 barrels.
Minister Al-Kharabsheh stressed the strategic importance of this agreement. “The deal carries more symbolic and strategic weight than the mere quantity of oil, especially considering a discount of $16 off the global price,” he remarked.
Furthermore, the Jordanian minister noted that activities like this foster Arab relations and enhance the level of trade exchange. He affirmed both nations’ desire to revitalize the link between Jordan and Iraq, particularly by boosting the exchange of tankers and goods transacted along this route.
