TotalEnergies and Partners Launch Construction of ArtawiGas25 to Transform Iraq’s Energy Landscape
TotalEnergies, in collaboration with its partners Basra Oil Company (30%) and QatarEnergy (25%), has officially commenced construction of the ArtawiGas25 facility, a groundbreaking gas treatment unit aimed at transforming the energy sector in Iraq. As the operator with a 45% stake, TotalEnergies is spearheading this initiative to process associated gas from the Ratawi field in the Basra region, marking a significant step forward in reducing environmental impact and enhancing energy infrastructure in Iraq.
Addressing Flaring and Boosting Energy Supply
The ArtawiGas25 facility is a pivotal component of the broader Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), which represents a comprehensive strategy to harness Iraq’s natural gas resources. With an investment of approximately USD 250 million, this facility will process 50 million cubic feet per day (Mcf/d) of gas that would otherwise be flared. By repurposing this gas, the project will supply local power plants, effectively meeting the energy needs of approximately 200,000 households in the Basra region.
Flaring, the burning of excess natural gas during oil extraction, has long been a significant environmental challenge in Iraq, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and wasting valuable resources. The ArtawiGas25 facility’s focus on recovering and utilizing this gas aligns with global sustainability goals and demonstrates a commitment to reducing emissions while improving energy access.
The Vision of the Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP)
First conceptualized in September 2021, the GGIP is a multi-energy project with a total investment of USD 10 billion. Its ambitious objectives include enhancing the development of Iraq’s natural resources, TotalEnergies optimizing energy production, and addressing the country’s electricity shortages. A cornerstone of the GGIP is the establishment of a large-scale gas processing plant, designed to recover 300 Mcf/d of gas in its first phase. This processed gas will support 1.5 GW of power generation capacity, significantly bolstering Iraq’s energy supply.
In addition to gas processing, the TotalEnergies GGIP encompasses several other components that reflect a holistic approach to energy development:
- Flaring Reduction: Recovering gas flared from three major oil fields in southern Iraq.
- Ratawi Oil Field Redevelopment: Enhancing oil production while minimizing environmental impact.
- Solar Energy Deployment: Constructing a 1 GWac (1.25 GWp) solar farm to diversify energy sources.
- Water Resource Management: Building a seawater treatment plant to support industrial and agricultural needs sustainably.
This integrated approach highlights the GGIP’s role as a transformative project, addressing immediate energy needs while laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
Early Impact of ArtawiGas25
Although the main gas processing plant under the GGIP is still under development, the ArtawiGas25 project is designed to deliver immediate benefits. The facility, with its innovative modular design, TotalEnergies is expected to significantly reduce gas flaring at the Ratawi field by the end of 2025. This early action will not only cut emissions but also provide a blueprint for similar projects across other oil fields in Iraq.
The modular design of ArtawiGas25 enables rapid deployment and scalability, making it an attractive solution for replication in regions facing similar challenges. By introducing advanced technology and efficient processes, the project sets a new standard for gas recovery and utilization in the Middle East.
Economic and Social Benefits
Beyond its environmental and energy contributions, the ArtawiGas25 project will generate substantial economic and social benefits. During its construction phase, the project is expected to create up to 160 direct and indirect jobs, primarily for Iraqi nationals. Once operational, it will provide 30 permanent positions, contributing to local employment and skill development.
The project also reflects TotalEnergies’ commitment to fostering partnerships with local stakeholders and aligning its operations with the Iraqi government’s energy goals. By addressing the dual challenges of energy shortages and environmental degradation, ArtawiGas25 exemplifies how international collaboration can drive progress in resource-rich nations.
A Broader Commitment to Sustainability
Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President for the Middle East & North Africa, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, emphasized the significance of the project: “We are very pleased to launch the ArtawiGas25 project. TotalEnergies will give the Iraqi people a tangible insight into the benefits of the GGIP, which will provide more energy with fewer emissions. Through this project, TotalEnergies is demonstrating its capacity to deliver valuable and fast-track solutions in accordance with the government’s expectations and the country’s electricity needs. We look forward to the next GGIP milestones in the coming weeks with the start of construction of the 1 GW solar project.”
This statement underscores the multifaceted impact of the GGIP and the pivotal role of ArtawiGas25 in setting the stage for future milestones. The solar farm, set to commence construction soon, will complement the gas processing efforts by introducing renewable energy into Iraq’s energy mix, further reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
Tackling Iraq’s Energy Challenges
Iraq’s energy sector has faced numerous challenges over the years, including inadequate infrastructure, frequent power outages, and reliance on flaring practices. The GGIP, with ArtawiGas25 at its forefront, aims to address these issues by:
- Enhancing Energy Reliability: Providing a steady supply of gas to power plants and reducing electricity shortages.
- Promoting Environmental Stewardship: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing flared gas.
- Driving Economic Growth: Creating jobs and fostering local industry development.
- Diversifying Energy Sources: Introducing solar energy as a sustainable alternative.
By implementing these measures, the GGIP positions Iraq as a leader in adopting innovative energy solutions in the Middle East.
The Role of International Partnerships
The success of ArtawiGas25 and the GGIP is a testament to the power of international collaboration. TotalEnergies, Basra Oil Company, and QatarEnergy have combined their expertise and resources to address Iraq’s energy challenges comprehensively. This partnership highlights the importance of shared responsibility and mutual benefits in tackling global issues such as energy transition and climate change.
The involvement of local stakeholders, including the Iraqi government and Basra Oil Company, ensures that the project aligns with national priorities and delivers tangible benefits to the Iraqi people. By fostering cooperation between international and domestic entities, the GGIP sets a precedent for future projects in the region.
Looking Ahead
As the GGIP progresses, the completion of ArtawiGas25 will serve as a significant milestone, demonstrating the feasibility and impact of gas recovery projects in Iraq. The lessons learned from this initiative will inform the development of the larger gas processing plant and other components of the GGIP.
The anticipated start of the 1 GW solar project in the coming weeks represents another crucial step in Iraq’s energy transformation journey. By integrating renewable energy with advanced gas processing, the GGIP exemplifies a balanced approach to meeting energy demands while prioritizing sustainability.
