Energy & Infrastructure
Energy & Infrastructure in Iraq
Etihad Law Firm advises clients across the energy and infrastructure sector in Iraq, including oil and gas operators, service companies, contractors, investors, and project developers. Our team provides comprehensive legal support across the full lifecycle of projects, from structuring and licensing to operations, compliance, and dispute resolution.
We have extensive experience advising on upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas matters, power generation projects, EPC and construction contracts, joint ventures, and government-related engagements. Our deep understanding of Iraq’s legal and regulatory environment allows us to deliver practical, commercially focused solutions on complex and high-value projects.
Navigating Iraq's Energy Legal Landscape
Iraq’s energy and infrastructure sectors operate under a multi-layered legal framework governed by federal law, Kurdistan Region regulations, ministry-level directives, and evolving investment legislation. For international operators, this complexity demands local legal counsel with deep institutional knowledge.
Etihad Law Firm advises international oil companies, EPC contractors, government entities, and private developers on the full spectrum of energy and infrastructure legal matters from entry strategy and contract negotiation to dispute resolution and regulatory compliance.
Our team has advised on transactions and projects across upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas, power generation, water infrastructure, and transport concessions throughout Iraq including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).
Core Services
Oil & Gas Contract Negotiation Drafting and negotiating Technical Service Contracts (TSCs), Exploration and Production Agreements (EPAs), and Joint Operating Agreements (JOAs) with the Ministry of Oil, SOMO, and KRG authorities. We advise on cost recovery mechanisms, production entitlements, and stabilization clauses.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Structuring PPP concessions for power plants, water treatment facilities, road infrastructure, and port development under Iraq’s PPP . We advise on risk allocation, government guarantees, tariff frameworks, and financing structures.
Project Finance & Investment Structuring Advising lenders and sponsors on project finance transactions, security package structuring, and foreign investment vehicles available under Iraqi law. We assist with MIGA coverage, export credit agency coordination, and NIC incentive applications.
Regulatory & Licensing ComplianceAdvising on licensing requirements under the Iraqi Investment Law, Ministry of Oil directives, and KRG Oil and Gas. We guide clients through NIC registration, environmental permitting, and operational compliance frameworks.
EPC & Construction Contracts Advising contractors and developers on FIDIC-based EPC, turnkey, and BOT contracts for infrastructure projects in Iraq. We negotiate performance guarantees, liquidated damages, variation mechanisms, and dispute escalation provisions aligned with Iraqi law.
Disputes & Arbitration Representing energy companies and contractors in international arbitration (ICC, LCIA, ICSID) and Iraqi domestic proceedings. We handle government contract disputes, force majeure claims, expropriation matters, and commercial litigation before Iraqi courts.