TotalEnergies Launches Groundbreaking Gas Processing Plant in Iraq to Combat Flaring and Boost Electricity Supply
In a notable step toward reducing pollution and addressing Iraq’s chronic electricity shortages, TotalEnergies has announced the launch of its frist flared gas processing plant in the country. The project,named ArtawiGas25,represents a $250 million investment and is set to transform the way Iraq manages its natural resources.
Flaring, a common practice in Iraq, involves burning excess gas associated with oil extraction, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The new plant will capture and process 50 million cubic feet per day (Mcf/d) of gas from the Ratawi oil field,which was previously flared. This treated gas will then be injected into the power grid,supplying electricity to approximately 200,000 homes in the Basra region.
“This project is a game-changer for Iraq,” said a TotalEnergies spokesperson. “By converting flared gas into usable energy,we are not only reducing pollution but also improving the country’s electricity supply.”
A Key Component of the GGIP Mega-Project
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ArtawiGas25 is part of the larger gas Growth integrated Project (GGIP),a $10 billion initiative led by TotalEnergies (45%) in partnership with Basra Oil Company (30%) and QatarEnergy (25%). The GGIP aims to harness Iraq’s vast natural resources to address both energy and environmental challenges.
The GGIP includes a major gas processing plant with a capacity of 300 Mcf/d, which will recover flared gas from three oil fields and supply it to power plants with a combined capacity of 1.5 gigawatts (GW). This will considerably improve Iraq’s electricity supply, a critical need for a country rich in oil but plagued by frequent power cuts.
While the main gas processing plant is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2027, the ArtawiGas25 project will start reducing flaring on the Ratawi field as early as late 2025.
Iraq’s Commitment to Ending Flaring
The Iraqi goverment, under Prime Minister Mohamed Chia Al-Soudani, has made the fight against flaring a top priority. In December, officials pledged to utilize 80% of flared gas by the end of 2025 and eliminate the practice entirely by 2027.
TotalEnergies’ efforts align closely with these goals. The GGIP project,finalized in April 2023 after lengthy negotiations,also includes a solar power plant,an oil production enhancement initiative,and a seawater treatment plant to maintain pressure in oil fields.
Key Highlights of the GGIP Project
| Component | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| ArtawiGas25 Plant | Processes 50 Mcf/d of flared gas, supplies electricity to 200,000 homes. |
| Main Gas Processing Plant| 300 Mcf/d capacity, supplies 1.5 GW to power plants. |
| Solar Power Plant | part of the GGIP, enhances renewable energy capacity. |
| Seawater Treatment Plant | maintains oil field pressure, boosts production. |
| Total Investment | $10 billion, shared among TotalEnergies, Basra oil Company, and QatarEnergy.|
A Enduring Future for Iraq
TotalEnergies’ shift toward electricity and renewable energy is a testament to its commitment to sustainability. By addressing flaring and improving electricity access, the GGIP project is poised to make a lasting impact on Iraq’s energy landscape.
As the ArtawiGas25 plant nears completion, the focus will remain on delivering cleaner energy and supporting Iraq’s ambitious environmental goals. For more details on TotalEnergies’ initiatives in Iraq, visit their official website.
This groundbreaking project not only marks a new chapter for Iraq’s energy sector but also sets a precedent for sustainable growth in the region.
TotalEnergies’ ArtawiGas25: A Game-Changer for Iraq’s Energy and Environmental Future
In a significant move to address Iraq’s chronic electricity shortages and reduce harmful gas flaring, totalenergies has launched the ArtawiGas25 project, a $250 million flared gas processing plant in the Basra region. This initiative is part of the larger Gas Growth Integrated project (GGIP), a $10 billion effort to harness Iraq’s natural resources sustainably. To delve deeper into the implications of this groundbreaking project, we sat down with Dr. Ahmed Al-Mousawi, an energy and environmental policy expert with over 20 years of experience in Middle Eastern energy markets.
Introducing the ArtawiGas25 Project
Senior Editor: Dr. Al-Mousawi, thank you for joining us today. Let’s start with the ArtawiGas25 project. Can you explain why this initiative is so critical for Iraq?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: Absolutely. ArtawiGas25 is a pivotal project as it tackles two of Iraq’s most pressing challenges concurrently: energy shortages and environmental degradation.by capturing and processing 50 million cubic feet of flared gas daily from the Ratawi oil field, this plant will not only reduce harmful emissions but also generate enough electricity to power 200,000 homes in basra. This is a significant step forward for a country that has long struggled with energy access and pollution.
Senior Editor: How does this project fit into Iraq’s broader energy strategy?
Dr. al-Mousawi: ArtawiGas25 is a key component of the GGIP, which is a thorough plan to modernize Iraq’s energy infrastructure. The GGIP includes a major gas processing plant, a solar power facility, and a seawater treatment plant, all aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. This aligns with the Iraqi government’s commitment to end flaring by 2027 and utilize 80% of flared gas by 2025. TotalEnergies’ efforts are helping Iraq transition from a reliance on oil to a more diversified and sustainable energy mix.
The Role of the GGIP in Iraq’s Energy Conversion
Senior Editor: Speaking of the GGIP, can you elaborate on its importance and how it complements ArtawiGas25?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: Certainly. The GGIP is a $10 billion mega-project that represents a holistic approach to energy development in Iraq. The main gas processing plant,with a capacity of 300 million cubic feet per day,will recover flared gas from three oil fields and supply it to power plants capable of generating 1.5 gigawatts of electricity. This will significantly improve Iraq’s electricity supply, which is a critical need for the country. Additionally, the inclusion of renewable energy components, like the solar power plant, underscores Iraq’s commitment to a greener future.
Senior Editor: What challenges does Iraq face in implementing such large-scale projects?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: One of the biggest challenges is infrastructure. Iraq’s energy infrastructure has been underdeveloped for decades, and building new facilities requires significant investment and expertise. Political stability and regulatory frameworks are also crucial. The GGIP’s success hinges on strong partnerships between the Iraqi government, TotalEnergies, Basra Oil Company, and QatarEnergy. Fortunately, the project has already made significant progress, with the GGIP agreement finalized in April 2023.
Iraq’s Commitment to Ending Gas Flaring
Senior Editor: The Iraqi government has set aspiring targets to end flaring by 2027.How achievable are these goals, and what role does TotalEnergies play in supporting them?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: The targets are ambitious but achievable with the right investments and partnerships.TotalEnergies is playing a crucial role by providing the technology, expertise, and funding needed to capture and process flared gas. The ArtawiGas25 plant, such as, is expected to start operations by late 2025, well ahead of the 2027 deadline. This demonstrates that with the right support, Iraq can make significant strides in reducing flaring and improving its energy efficiency.
Senior Editor: Beyond reducing flaring, what other environmental benefits does the GGIP offer?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: The GGIP is a multifaceted project that addresses several environmental challenges. The solar power plant will enhance Iraq’s renewable energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.The seawater treatment plant will help maintain pressure in oil fields, improving production efficiency and reducing waste. Together, these initiatives will not only reduce pollution but also create a more sustainable energy ecosystem for Iraq.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Iraq’s Energy Sector
Senior Editor: Dr. al-Mousawi, what long-term impact do you expect the GGIP and ArtawiGas25 to have on Iraq’s energy landscape?
Dr. Al-Mousawi: I believe these projects will be transformative. By addressing flaring and improving electricity access, the GGIP will enhance the quality of life for millions of Iraqis. It will also position Iraq as a leader in sustainable energy development in the region. The success of ArtawiGas25 and the broader GGIP will set a precedent for other countries facing similar challenges,demonstrating that economic growth and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mousawi,for your insights. It’s clear that TotalEnergies’ initiatives in Iraq are not just about energy—they’re about building a brighter, cleaner future for the country.
Dr.al-Mousawi: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for Iraq, and I’m optimistic about what lies ahead.
For more data on TotalEnergies’ projects in Iraq,visit their official website.
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