Latest news with #Moussa
Iraqi News
5 days ago
- Business
- Iraqi News
Ministry of Electricity Announces Imminent Contracts with Saudi and Emirati Companies to Establish Five Solar Power Stations
The Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that it is close to signing contracts with two companies—one Saudi and the other Emirati—to construct five solar power stations. It also noted that the Gulf electricity interconnection project has reached 93% completion. The official spokesperson for the Ministry, Ahmed Moussa, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), 'The current crisis affecting electricity supply is now recognized by all parties—government, parliament, and citizens alike—as being largely due to the significant reduction in imported gas supplies. While some power stations operate on domestic gas or fuel, others rely on imported gas, specifically from Iran. The sharp drop in Iranian gas supplies has led to the shutdown of several generation units, weakening the electricity grid, especially during this period of rising temperatures and increased demand.' He added, 'The Ministry has lost nearly 4,000 megawatts of production capacity. This loss significantly affects electricity supply hours. Although the Ministry had adequately prepared its stations and generation units, the current challenges stem from fuel shortages. The government and Ministry have long considered alternative solutions, including diversifying gas sources.' Moussa stated that the current electricity production stands at approximately 23,000 megawatts, while the loss caused by the gas shortage is around 4,000 megawatts. 'If sufficient fuel were available, the system could potentially reach a load capacity of 27,000 megawatts,' he said. 'Supply hours vary by province, area, fuel availability, temperature, and the efficiency of distribution networks, which has led to disparities in electricity supply even within the same province.' He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to distributing electricity fairly but is constrained by external factors that disrupt station operations. 'Over the past 18 months, the Ministry signed a gas supply agreement with Turkmenistan, providing for the delivery of 20 million cubic meters in summer and 10 million in winter via Iranian territory. However, due to U.S. sanctions on Iran, the Trade Bank of Iraq was unable to open letters of credit and transfer funds to the Turkmen side.' Moussa also stated that 'the four power lines with Iran were halted on January 8 due to sanctions, causing a loss of over 1,000 megawatts, significantly affecting provinces such as Diyala, particularly the districts of Al-Khalis and Khanaqin.' He added that 'the interconnection with Jordan is now operational, with increased electricity transfer based on directives from the Prime Minister. The connection with Turkey is also online, currently supplying 300 megawatts, with plans to increase this to 600 megawatts by mid-next month.' He further noted, 'The interconnection with the Gulf, via Kuwait, has reached 93% completion, and in the near future, it will be finalized, allowing Basra province to receive electricity through this link.' Regarding renewable energy initiatives, Moussa stated: 'The government has taken significant steps to diversify energy sources, including the use of renewable and solar energy, and even waste-to-energy solutions. The Ministry is currently working with major companies to construct solar power plants in Basra, Muthanna, Karbala, Babil, and Dhi Qar. ' He added, 'The Ministry is close to signing a contract with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build a 1,000-megawatt solar plant in Najaf. It is also negotiating with the UAE's Masdar to establish four additional solar plants with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Another key project involves converting 534 government buildings to solar power, starting with the Government Palace, as directed by the Prime Minister. This will reduce the burden on the grid and ensure self-sufficiency for these institutions.' Finally, Moussa said: 'A third initiative involves the Central Bank and local banks offering small loans to citizens for the purchase of solar power systems. The Ministry has approved certain companies after reviewing technical and commercial proposals. Citizens can now obtain solar systems through these companies using low-interest loans. While the interest rate was previously 8%, it has been reduced to 2.5%, and the repayment period extended from four to seven years. These measures represent significant government support to ease the pressure on the national grid and promote renewable energy adoption.'
Middle East
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Middle East
Egyptian amb. hands over invitation to GEM opening ceremony
CAIRO, May 26 (MENA) - Egypt's Ambassador in Beirut Alaa Moussa, handed over an invitation from President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to Lebanese President Gen. Joseph Aoun to participate in the official opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), set for July 3. During a meeting with the Lebanese leader on Monday, Moussa emphasized the great importance Cairo attaches to this global event, noting the museum is envisioned to be the world's largest cultural edifice. He said the museum will ultimately house an unparalleled collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts that demonstrate the uniqueness of Egyptian civilization. Hailing deeply rooted bonds between both countries, the two sides discussed ways to promote bilateral cooperation, as well as the latest development efforts in Lebanon and the region in general. The Egyptian diplomat reiterated Cairo full support for Lebanon. During another meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Monday, Moussa discussed ongoing preparations for convening the Egyptian-Lebanese joint higher committee in Cairo later this year and how to maximize the benefits of the committee's upcoming session. Moussa also handed the Lebanese premier an invitation to attend the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum. (MENA) M A A/R G E
Egypt Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt invites Lebanese President to attend Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration
Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, delivered formal invitations from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on May 26, 2025- Press photo CAIRO – 26 May 2025: Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, delivered formal invitations from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for July 3. Ambassador Moussa met with President Aoun on Monday, May 26, stressing the significance Egypt places on this historic cultural event. He highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum as one of the largest cultural institutions in the world, showcasing a vast collection of unique artifacts that reflect the richness and depth of Egyptian civilization. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong and longstanding ties between Egypt and Lebanon, underscored by President Aoun's recent visit to Cairo and his meeting with President Sisi. They also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and addressed recent developments in Lebanon and the wider region. Ambassador Moussa reiterated Egypt's steadfast support for Lebanon. Later, the Egyptian ambassador also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, set to convene later this year. They emphasized the importance of maximizing the outcomes of the committee's work to further enhance cooperation between the two brotherly nations. Ambassador Moussa also delivered President Sisi's official invitation to Prime Minister Salam to attend the GEM opening ceremony.
Egypt Today
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt invites Lebanese President to attend in Grand Egyptian Museum inauguration
Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, delivered formal invitations from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, on May 26, 2025- Press photo CAIRO – 26 May 2025: Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, delivered formal invitations from President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), scheduled for July 3. Ambassador Moussa met with President Aoun on Monday, May 26, stressing the significance Egypt places on this historic cultural event. He highlighted the Grand Egyptian Museum as one of the largest cultural institutions in the world, showcasing a vast collection of unique artifacts that reflect the richness and depth of Egyptian civilization. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed the strong and longstanding ties between Egypt and Lebanon, underscored by President Aoun's recent visit to Cairo and his meeting with President Sisi. They also discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation and addressed recent developments in Lebanon and the wider region. Ambassador Moussa reiterated Egypt's steadfast support for Lebanon. Later, the Egyptian ambassador also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Their discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, set to convene later this year. They emphasized the importance of maximizing the outcomes of the committee's work to further enhance cooperation between the two brotherly nations. Ambassador Moussa also delivered President Sisi's official invitation to Prime Minister Salam to attend the GEM opening ceremony.
CairoScene
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
‘Project X' is Screening Across Seven Governorates With EGP 40 Tickets
Karim Abdel Aziz's new film will show across Egypt as part of the Ministry of Culture's 'Cinema for the People' initiative. May 24, 2025 The Ministry of Culture's General Authority for Cultural Palaces is bringing the blockbuster film 'Project X', starring Karim Abdel Aziz, to audiences across seven governorates as part of the national 'Cinema for the People' programme. Directed by Peter Mimi ('Moussa', 'Beit El Ruby'), 'Project X' follows an Egyptian archaeologist who uncovers a mysterious map linked to an ancient secret buried beneath the sands of Egypt. As he sets off on a globe-trotting expedition across Egypt, Turkey, Spain, and Italy, he finds himself caught in a web of rival treasure hunters, cryptic codes, and buried truths that could reshape the historical narrative. The cast includes Yasmin Sabri, Eyad Nassar, Ahmed Ghozzi, and Mariam Elgendy, with guest appearances by Maged El Kedwany, Essam El Sakka, and Hana El Zahed. Screenings will take place daily from 10 AM until midnight at the following locations: Cinema Palace in Garden City (Cairo), Qanater Cultural Palace (Qalyubia), Abu El Matamir and Damanhour Cultural Palaces (Beheira), Zagazig Cultural Palace (Sharqia), Ismailia Cultural Palace, Arish Cultural Palace (North Sinai), and Sadat Cinema (Menoufia). Tickets will be priced at a standard rate of EGP 40, including weekends and public holidays.
