Iraq Starts Expansion of Shinafiyah Refinery 

An Iraqi flag is seen at an oilfield. (Reuters)
An Iraqi flag is seen at an oilfield. (Reuters)
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Iraq Starts Expansion of Shinafiyah Refinery 

An Iraqi flag is seen at an oilfield. (Reuters)
An Iraqi flag is seen at an oilfield. (Reuters)

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced on Saturday the beginning of the Shinafiyah refinery expansion in Al Diwaniyah in southern Iraq. 

During his visit to the province, the PM confirmed the government will to develop the oil sector and complete the projects that meet the needs of the people.  

The Iraqi News Agency cited Sudani as saying: "Designs have been put in place for the expansion of Shinafiyah refinery, which will increase the production capacity of the refinery from 20,000 to 90,000 barrels per day, in addition to a refining unit with a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day."  

He stressed that he directed that production be compatible with environmental requirements.  

The Prime Minister stated that this increase would help in reducing the import of gasoline and gas oil, and the provision of surplus quantities of liquid gas and fuel oil products, which have a significant economic return.  

“The project will also provide up to 3,000 job opportunities, to employ local manpower," he added.  

According to shipping data, Iraq also increased exports to Europe by more than 20 percent in the past five months.  

European refiners have found themselves oversupplied with crude as an expected shortage owing to the looming EU ban on Russian oil has yet to materialize.  

Iraq, OPEC's second-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia, has been pumping about 4,652,000 barrels of crude a day this year. It plans to increase oil production to eight million barrels per day (BPD) by the end of 2027. 



ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
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ACWA Power Reports 44% Surge in Q1 Profit to $113.8 Million

A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)
A wind turbine at the Suez Energy Project. (ACWA Power)

Saudi energy and water developer ACWA Power reported a 44% year-on-year increase in net profit for the first quarter of 2025, reaching SAR 427.15 million ($113.8 million), according to a disclosure filed with the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul).

The company attributed the strong performance primarily to higher total revenues, an increase in other operating income before impairment and other charges, a reduction in impairment expenses, and a rise in deferred tax balances. These gains were partially offset by increased costs in project development, general and administrative expenses, and financing charges.

ACWA Power’s revenue rose 57% in the quarter, reaching SAR 1.97 billion ($525.2 million), supported by growth across development and construction management services, operation and maintenance contracts, and electricity sales.

In a letter to investors, CEO Marco Arcelli emphasized that the company maintained strong momentum in developing new projects across all sectors during the first quarter.

These initiatives not only lay the foundation for stable future revenues and cash flows, but also contribute to earnings from procurement and construction management, reinforcing the company’s commitment to financial and operational growth, he noted.

Arcelli expressed optimism about the company’s long-term outlook, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen project development pipelines, improve procurement strategies, and streamline construction execution.

ACWA Power is building a solid platform for consistent and sustainable growth while remaining focused on delivering its strategic objectives, he stressed.

Among the company’s most significant recent projects are several in renewable energy and water. In the solar sector, ACWA Power is developing the Al-Muwayh solar power plant in Saudi Arabia with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts and an investment of approximately SAR 35 million. The plant is scheduled to begin operations under a long-term power purchase agreement starting in 2027.

The company is also working on the Al-Khushaybi solar plant, with a capacity of 35 megawatts.

In wind energy, ACWA Power is constructing the Bash wind farm in Uzbekistan, a 500-megawatt project expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. Another wind project in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s national energy company will have a capacity of 65 megawatts and is also scheduled for completion in 2025.

In the water sector, ACWA Power owns a 40% stake in the Taweelah desalination plant in the United Arab Emirates, one of the largest facilities of its kind with a daily capacity of 3 million cubic meters. The company also holds a 35% share in the Sudair solar project in Saudi Arabia, which will generate 1,500 megawatts of electricity.

ACWA Power has expanded its international footprint with recent acquisitions, including an 85% stake in Yanghe New Energy Technology in China. The company also acquired strategic assets in Egypt and Kuwait and is actively entering new markets while expanding its presence in existing ones.

The company continues to prioritize innovation and R&D, particularly in solar and wind energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage. It is advancing new projects, increasing energy sales, and strengthening its global presence through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Italian firms and others in Africa and East Asia.

ACWA Power has also launched a new research and development center in Shanghai as part of its international growth strategy.