Emphasizing Kurdistan oil export resumption

Barzani meets with senior U.S. energy official

2024-05-16 | 23:16

Erbil – Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met today with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina L. Romanowski.

The focus was on advancing the energy sector in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, with an emphasis on clean and renewable energy initiatives. Discussions centered on plans to enhance the electricity sector in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, with a mutual recognition of the importance of restarting oil exports from Kurdistan.

The Association of the Petroleum Industry of Kurdistan said today that Iraq had lost up to $16 billion in revenues for preventing Kurdistan’s oil exports since March 2023.

Following the meeting, Barzani and Pyatt visited key energy installations, including the Mass Global Power Station in Berdawood and the Khurmala Field and Station operated by KAR Group in Erbil province.

They stressed the significance of advancing the energy sector through clean energy practices, environmental protection, and reducing air pollution during a joint press statement.

Expressing gratitude for U.S. support, Barzani highlighted U.S. interest in the region’s energy development.

Pyatt reiterated U.S. backing for a robust Kurdistan within a federal Iraq and praised the region’s strides in the energy industry, drawing parallels to oil-producing areas in the U.S. Pyatt emphasized the importance of partnerships with local companies like Mass Global, known for its collaboration with GE Vernova on advanced clean energy solutions. He commended Mass Global’s global operations and adherence to international energy standards.

At the Khurmala facility, Pyatt lauded the entrepreneurial spirit and economic growth represented by the site. He also discussed initiatives to mitigate climate impact, including reducing gas flaring, a topic addressed with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and his ministers.

Expressing optimism about Iraq’s potential for more efficient resource utilization, Pyatt underscored the strong energy services relationship between the United States and Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

Looking ahead, Pyatt invited Barzani to Washington for further collaboration, highlighting the importance of their ongoing relationship.

The suspension of the Iraq-Turkey oil pipeline since March 25, 2023, which was used for exporting Kurdistan’s oil, remains a significant issue. Despite readiness and Turkey’s agreement to resume oil exports, the Iraqi government has yet to restart exports, resulting in substantial losses for Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and international oil companies. This halt follows a Paris-based arbitration court ruling favoring Baghdad, citing breaches of a 1973 pipeline agreement.