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    Total to work on Iraqi gas, solar power projects

Summary

Iraq wants to expand gas output by developing new fields and reducing flaring, to help wean itself off imports from Iran.

by: Joe Murphy

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Natural Gas & LNG News, Middle East, Top Stories, Gas to Power, News By Country, Iraq

Total to work on Iraqi gas, solar power projects

France's Total has signed an agreement in principle with Iraq on developing projects in the country, including two gas and one solar development, the Iraqi oil ministry reported on March 29.

The biggest project will involve constructing facilities for treating associated gas, which will be separated into two phases with a combined output of 600mn ft3/day. Total is also expected to help build a 1,000-MW solar plant and a seawater plant, and expand gas output at the Artawi field.

The oil ministry revealed in October last year that it was in talks with Total to develop new gas projects, one west of Baghdad and the other near the southern city of Basra. The French major went on to sign a memorandum of understanding with Iraq in late January on joint project development. On March 17, the ministry said Total was interested in helping to develop associated gas projects at Artawi in the south, Diyala in the east and Anbar in the north.

Iraq holds some 3.5 trillion m3 in proven gas reserves, according to BP statistics, but produced only 10.8bn m3 last year whereas its demand came to nearly 20bn m3. It wants to boost commercial gas output by developing new fields and reducing flaring, to help wean itself off imports from Iran.

Baghdad must get regular sanctions waivers from the US government to buy these Iranian supplies. The last waiver was granted on January 5 and lasts for 90 days.

Iraq is also looking to build out its power sector to overcome crippling electricity shortages.