Snapshot of the agreement signing
Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, sponsored the signing of a contract to link the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) grid with Iraq at the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) headquarters in Dammam. He also inaugurated a project to upgrade the authority’s control center systems. 
The Deputy Governor launched an upgrade aimed at improving the efficiency and flexibility of electricity systems to address future challenges, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
For more news and details on the projects
The upgrade includes enhanced cybersecurity with advanced technologies to protect against cyberattacks, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and boosting grid stability and operational capacity, in line with global clean energy trends.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that linking the Gulf electricity market with Iraq will ensure a sustainable energy supply, support local projects, and enhance Iraq’s grid stability. This will reduce reliance on costly traditional energy sources and improve resource utilization.
He further stated that the Gulf electrical interconnection is a strategic project that strengthens cooperation between GCC countries and neighbors. The project has received support from GCC leaders to ensure energy security and stability in the region.
GCCIA CEO Ahmed Al-Ibrahim said the Gulf electrical interconnection, since its launch in 2009, is one of the key infrastructure projects approved by GCC leaders. It has successfully achieved its goals and provided significant economic benefits.
Al-Ibrahim noted the project has prevented any partial or total blackout in GCC electricity networks, providing 100% support during emergencies through energy transfers across a network spanning over 1,000 kilometers from Kuwait to Oman. Over 2,800 support cases have been recorded since its launch, including over 50 related to renewable energy loss.
Since the project began, it has saved approximately $3.6 billion compared to the $1.5 billion in investment and operating costs. Al-Ibrahim emphasized the project’s expansion plans, with signed agreements for potential connections with Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt.
He announced that early next year, the interconnection with Iraq will begin operations, marking a key step toward expansion into Turkey, Europe, and beyond. He highlighted the vision of reaching new regions through electricity.
Al-Ibrahim explained that the project with Iraq will strengthen energy security and allow GCC countries to supply Iraq with approximately 3.94 terawatt-hours annually by 2025, at lower costs than local production, reducing public expenses.
Snapshot of the agreement signing
Prince Saud bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Eastern Province, sponsored the signing of a contract to link the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) grid with Iraq at the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) headquarters in Dammam. He also inaugurated a project to upgrade the authority’s control center systems.
The Deputy Governor launched an upgrade aimed at improving the efficiency and flexibility of electricity systems to address future challenges, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
For more news and details on the projects
The upgrade includes enhanced cybersecurity with advanced technologies to protect against cyberattacks, ensuring safe and efficient operations, and boosting grid stability and operational capacity, in line with global clean energy trends.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that linking the Gulf electricity market with Iraq will ensure a sustainable energy supply, support local projects, and enhance Iraq’s grid stability. This will reduce reliance on costly traditional energy sources and improve resource utilization.
He further stated that the Gulf electrical interconnection is a strategic project that strengthens cooperation between GCC countries and neighbors. The project has received support from GCC leaders to ensure energy security and stability in the region.
GCCIA CEO Ahmed Al-Ibrahim said the Gulf electrical interconnection, since its launch in 2009, is one of the key infrastructure projects approved by GCC leaders. It has successfully achieved its goals and provided significant economic benefits.
Al-Ibrahim noted the project has prevented any partial or total blackout in GCC electricity networks, providing 100% support during emergencies through energy transfers across a network spanning over 1,000 kilometers from Kuwait to Oman. Over 2,800 support cases have been recorded since its launch, including over 50 related to renewable energy loss.
Since the project began, it has saved approximately $3.6 billion compared to the $1.5 billion in investment and operating costs. Al-Ibrahim emphasized the project’s expansion plans, with signed agreements for potential connections with Iraq, Jordan, and Egypt.
He announced that early next year, the interconnection with Iraq will begin operations, marking a key step toward expansion into Turkey, Europe, and beyond. He highlighted the vision of reaching new regions through electricity.
Al-Ibrahim explained that the project with Iraq will strengthen energy security and allow GCC countries to supply Iraq with approximately 3.94 terawatt-hours annually by 2025, at lower costs than local production, reducing public expenses.
