Iraq PM Forms Task Force to Review Energy Strategy, Announces Gas Production at West Qurna Field

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has formed a task force to review the country's energy strategy and announced that gas production at the West Qurna field is set to begin within the next six months. The task force, comprised of representatives from the ministries of planning, electricity, oil, and finance, as well as the Advisory Board, will be responsible for evaluating Iraq's energy policies and making recommendations to improve the sector.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's office, the task force will aim to ensure the integration of energy projects, the availability of gas supply sources for power plants, and the reduction of the energy file's burden on state funds. The task force was directed to submit its report on the updated strategy after consultation with relevant ministries and the Ministry of Planning's consultant, KBR Company.

Why this matters: Iraq's energy sector has been facing significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient gas supplies for power generation, and a heavy reliance on imports. The formation of the task force and the announcement of gas production at the West Qurna field demonstrate the government's commitment to addressing these issues and boosting the country's energy self-sufficiency.

The West Qurna field, one of Iraq's major oil and gas fields, is expected to contribute to the country's natural gas supply, which is crucial for power generation and meeting domestic energy demands. The start of production at the field within the next six months is a significant step towards achieving Iraq's energy goals.

In related news, TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne met with Prime Minister al-Sudani on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pouyanne stated that TotalEnergies aims to complete the first phases of its solar power and associated gas projects in Iraq by 2025. The company's $27 billion energy deal with the Iraqi government, signed in 2021, includes the development of the Artawi oilfield, the use of seawater to support oil extraction, the Gas Growth Integrated Project to recover flared gas, and the development of a 1-gigawatt solar power plant.

Pouyanne also announced that the first phase of TotalEnergies' associated gas project in Iraq will produce 50 million cubic feet out of the planned 300 million cubic feet. The Director General for Studies and Planning at the Iraqi Oil Ministry, Naseer Aziz Jabbar, stated that TotalEnergies' energy projects in Iraq will be completed by 2028 and 2029.

The formation of the energy strategy task force and the progress in gas production at the West Qurna field, along with TotalEnergies' ongoing projects, demonstrate Iraq's efforts to revitalize its energy sector. Prime Minister al-Sudani emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, "The integration of energy projects and the availability of gas supply sources for power plants are crucial for meeting Iraq's energy needs and reducing the burden on state funds." As Iraq continues to work towards energy self-sufficiency, the coming months and years will be critical in determining the success of these initiatives.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq forms task force to review energy strategy and boost gas production.
• West Qurna field to begin gas production within 6 months, aiding power supply.
• TotalEnergies aims to complete initial phases of solar and gas projects in Iraq by 2025.
• TotalEnergies' $27 billion energy deal includes oilfield, seawater, and solar development.
• Iraq's efforts to revitalize energy sector crucial for meeting domestic energy needs.