Iraq boosts gas capture efforts, aims for 70% utilisation by year-end

BASRA — Iraq’s Ministry of Oil announced on Sunday it has achieved a 67% utilisation rate of its gas resources, with plans to increase to 70% by the end of the year in a step forward for Iraq’s initiative to reduce gas flaring and repurpose natural gas for industrial and economic growth.

During a visit to the Basra Gas Company, Deputy Oil Minister for Gas Affairs Azat Saber Ismail underscored the significance of this progress. “The government and ministry are focused on fully utilising our gas resources,” Ismail said. “Our goal is to not only stop flaring but to redirect this resource to support Iraq’s energy needs and strengthen industries like petrochemicals.”

To achieve this level of gas capture, the ministry has collaborated with specialised companies to process associated gas from oil fields, turning it into a reliable energy source. This initiative aligns with Iraq’s broader strategy to enhance energy independence and support sectors such as electricity and manufacturing.

Currently, Iraq captures 1 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily, with planned expansions for the next year. These efforts are part of a directive from Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, prioritising projects like the Basra Gas Plant, which will soon process an additional 200 million cubic feet of raw gas per day, according to a ministry statement.

Associated gas, typically flared if uncaptured, is increasingly processed for energy use, helping reduce environmental impact and resource waste.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, during the June 8 inauguration of a gas processing project at the Halfaya oil field in Maysan, reaffirmed Iraq’s commitment to “utilize all produced gas and achieve zero flaring by 2028.” He emphasised that this redirected gas will support power generation, helping reduce the need for costly imports. Iraq’s gas production has risen from 2,972 million standard cubic feet per day in 2022 to 3,100 million currently, with 1,800 million cubic feet per day effectively utilised.

Currently, Iraq imports 40 to 50 million cubic meters of gas daily from Iran to meet its energy needs. Additionally, the Ministry of Electricity announced on Oct. 19 a deal with Turkmenistan to supply another 20 million cubic meters of gas per day via an Iranian pipeline.