Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi ordered on Sept. 24 the formation of a committee tasked with overseeing the building of nuclear reactors for research purposes, according to the Iraqi Commission for Control of Radioactive Sources.

Electricity shortages have plagued the country for decades due to years of destruction in conflict and rampant corruption claims. The energy shortages were one of the more vocal complaints of last October’s protests that gripped the country. And Kadhimi’s injunction now comes amid renewed calls for protests later this week.

Why it matters:  The committee’s announcement follows a summit earlier this month in Baghdad between Kadhimi and French President Emmanuel Macron. On his Sept. 2 visit, Macron stressed support for Iraqi sovereignty. Among talking points between the leaders was the possibility of their countries working together on a nuclear project to solve Iraq’s electricity shortages.

The civil nuclear project would live under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and create jobs as well as combat electricity woes, Kadhimi said.