Iraq yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with Siemens Energy and Schlumberger to help curb gas flaring and channel the captured resource to boost the country’s power generation capacity.
Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said the MoU aligns with the ministry’s plan to utilise associated gas for electricity production.
“This will provide productive and valuable energy to support power plants and the national grid,” he said at a Press conference following the signing ceremony.
“The MoU paves the way for joint ventures with the technology giants,” Abdul Ghani said.
Praising the collaboration, German Embassy Charge d’Affaires Maximilian Rach expressed his country’s support for Iraq’s efforts to increase its energy production and reduce carbon emissions. He expressed hope that the partnership would expand to other sectors.
Muhannad Al-Saffar, director of Siemens Energy Iraq, emphasised the MoU’s significance as a launchpad for long-term co-operation that will ultimately halt gas flaring and process the captured gas for power generation.
“This will contribute to achieving energy security, minimising imports, and protecting the environment,” he said.
The undersecretary for gas affairs at the Ministry of Oil, Izzat Saber, said: “Co-operation with major international companies will bolster the electricity sector, optimise expenditures, and ensure environmental protection.”
Wissam Al-Azm, Schlumberger Iraq general manager, highlighted the joint commitment to developing solutions and leveraging cutting-edge technologies for a sustainable energy future.
By 2050, natural gas output in Iraq is expected to increase significantly, with the majority of this gas coming from oil extraction.
Estimates released by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum indicate that Iraq is also aiming to decrease gas flaring.