Insights

Tax Implications for new international entrants into the power sector in Iraq

30 August 2021

Power Sector in Iraq

Electricity generation capacity in Iraq has been lagging behind demand for several years now. The demand for electricity peaks in the summer, resulting in power shortages and blackouts. For example, in 2019, the available peak generation capacity in Federal Iraq was 19.3 gigawatts (GW), much lower than the peak summer demand of 27.5 GW. While net electricity generation has been growing annually, low utilization rates of power plants, distribution losses and lack of infrastructure have all contributed to the inability to bridge the gap
between supply and demand.

Iraq has been dependent on electricity imports, primarily from Iran and is now looking to diversify by purchasing electricity from other sources such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Türkiye, and Jordan.

Iraq is also seeking to increase its electricity generation capacity through the development of new power plants and building infrastructure to support the transmission of electricity and reduce distribution losses. Historically, Iraq has generated electricity from oil and natural gas, however, we are seeing a shift towards renewable energy sources, with the Iraq cabinet approving investment projects for the construction of seven non-conventional power plants in Iraq

Consideration for new entrants

Iraq has traditionally been one of the most difficult jurisdictions to do business in and be compliant from a tax perspective. International companies looking to do business in Iraq should be aware that they are obliged to register a legal entity and complete tax and social security filings in respect of both the entity and its employees on an ongoing basis.

In order to attract international expertise, Iraq has announced a number of tax concessions to projects that contribute to the development of the country under the Investment Law and Cabinet Decisions No.167 and 767. The Investment Law and the Cabinet Decisions vary in their application in terms of the duration of the tax concessions and the breadth of the taxes covered.

Therefore, international entrants into the power sector should carefully consider the tax implications of their operations in Iraq and potential tax exemptions available to them.

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