TOTALENERGIES PLANS FOR MAJOR WORK IN IRAQ
TotalEnergies , in collaboration with Basra Oil Company and QatarEnergy , has initiated a $ 250 million project to capture gas from the Ratawi oil field in southern Iraq . This endeavor is part of a broader $ 10 billion Gas Growth Integrated Project ( GGIP ) aimed at enhancing Iraq ’ s energy infrastructure and reducing environmental impact .
The newly launched facility , named Artawi- Gas25 , is designed to process 50 million cubic feet of gas per day that would otherwise be flared . By capturing and processing this gas , the project will supply local power stations , meeting the energy needs of approximately 200,000 households in the Basra region . This initiative addresses Iraq ’ s significant flaring issue , where excess gas is burned off , leading to environmental concerns and resource wastage .
TotalEnergies holds a 45 % stake in the project , with Basra Oil Company owning 30 % and QatarEnergy 25 %. The construction phase is expected to create up to 160 direct and indirect jobs , with 30 permanent positions once the facility becomes operational .
The gas processing plant is anticipated to be completed by 2025 , aligning with Iraq ’ s goals to attract foreign investment and revitalize its energy sector .
The GGIP aims to improve Iraq ’ s energy efficiency by developing a large-scale gas processing plant to recover flared gas from three oil fields , enhance oil production by redeveloping the Ratawi oil field , integrate renewable energy through a 1-gigawatt solar farm , and build a seawater treatment facility to address water scarcity issues and support sustainable resource management in oil production processes .
The GGIP represents a significant investment in Iraq ’ s energy future , aiming to reduce the country ’ s reliance on energy imports , decrease environmental pollution from flaring , and attract further foreign investment . The project ’ s comprehensive approach addresses both immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals .
Iraq ’ s energy sector has faced challenges in recent years , with major companies like Exxon Mobil , Shell , and BP scaling back operations , leading to stagnation in oil production . The involvement of TotalEnergies and its partners in the GGIP signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing the sector , leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices to meet the country ’ s energy demands .
The successful implementation of the GGIP could serve as a model for similar initiatives in the region , demonstrating the viability of integrating traditional oil and gas operations with renewable energy projects and environmental conservation efforts . By capturing flared gas and investing in renewable energy , Iraq can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy landscape .
As the project progresses , it will be essential to monitor its impact on local communities , the environment , and Iraq ’ s overall energy strategy . The collaboration between international energy companies and Iraqi authorities highlights the potential for joint efforts to address complex energy challenges and promote sustainable development in the region .
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