Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil confirmed that the ministry keens to increase gas investment from oil fields through investment plans, programs and projects in the Basra Gas Company, to reach an investment rate of 1400 mmscfd over the next few years, resulting in reducing emissions and supporting the national economy. This came during H.E visit to the Basra Gas Company and meeting with the Director General of the company and the senior staff.
The Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul-Ghannit said that BGC, which is represented by SGC as the government partner and the two foreign companies, Shell and Mitsubishi, have implemented projects to invest gas, and the current investment rate has reached 900 mmscfd. The Minister mentioned that the BGC has promising plans to add new invested gas capacities leading to rates of 1,400 mmscfd, through implementing the Basra NGL project, which includes the construction of an integrated gas investment plant, comprising two units, each one with a capacity of 200 mmscfd. This project will supply the national power system with at least 200 mmscfd during the next five months.However H.E directed BGC to reduce this period, stressing that the company is determined to achieve this program and they have the intention to achieve this. The Minister indicated to BGC efforts in support of the local content, through building of schools and another service project, hoping that these efforts and achievements will continue in order to achieve the goal of stopping gas flaring.
The Managing Director of BGC Malcolm Mayes confirmed the company plans to increase production. The Deputy General Manager, Marfaa Kadhim, reviewed plans of gas investment projects and the stages of work progress, which resulted in reaching large rates of investment, stressing the continuation of implementing the current projects, in order to achieve production rates that meet the ambition and enhance the national economy of Iraq. He continued that since the start of BGC work in 2013, the company has invested gas in the licensing rounds contracts fields at rates of 900 mmscfd, adding that BGC has plans over the next five years to reach an investment rate of 1400 mmscfd, indicating this will happen through new projects in addition to complete the major maintenance works to achieve stability of production and investment, as well as the implementation of a project that represents the most important projects, which is the gas gathering project in al-Zubair and West Qurna fields, as well as the Basra NGL project, which we look forward to operating soon, noting that these projects will reduce emissions by 40%.
He referred to the great technical and financial support of the Ministry and the South Gas Company, as they keep on reviewing, approving and discussing the plans in an accurate manner and presenting proposals in a way that drives the plan for the better, noting that this visit from the Minister represents a great support and incentive for workers to do the best because it came after a few days on H.E assuming of the position.
