TotalEnergies Starts Early Gas Treatment Unit in Iraq to Cut Flaring & Power Plants
TotalEnergies, in collaboration with its partners Basra Oil Company and QatarEnergy, has initiated the construction of the ArtawiGas25 project, marking a significant milestone in Iraq’s energy sector. This initiative aims to enhance Iraq’s natural gas utilization, reduce gas flaring, and support the country’s power generation needs. The project is part of the broader Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), a multi-energy endeavor designed to optimize the use of Iraq’s natural resources and boost the national electricity supply.
The ArtawiGas25 facility is the first processing unit for associated gas from the Ratawi field, situated in the Basra region. With an investment of approximately USD 250 million, this facility will process around 50 million cubic feet per day (Mcf/d) of gas that was previously flared. The captured gas will be directed toward local power plants, significantly improving energy availability for the region. It is estimated that this project alone will be able to meet the energy demands of approximately 200,000 households in Basra. By reducing gas flaring and supplying cleaner energy, TotalEnergies and its partners are actively contributing to environmental sustainability while meeting the growing energy needs of the population.
The broader GGIP Gas Treatment project, launched in September 2021, represents a USD 10 billion investment into Iraq’s energy infrastructure. The initiative integrates multiple energy components, including the development of a large-scale gas processing plant. The first phase of the gas processing plant is designed to handle 300 Mcf/d of associated gas, which would otherwise be flared. This recovered gas will be utilized to power up to 1.5 GW of electricity generation capacity, a crucial step in addressing Iraq’s chronic electricity shortages.
Flaring, the burning of excess natural gas during oil production, has long been a challenge in Iraq, leading to significant environmental and economic losses. The GGIP seeks to mitigate this issue by capturing and processing gas, thereby reducing emissions and enhancing Gas Treatment energy efficiency. The ArtawiGas25 project, as an integral part of this initiative, is expected to substantially decrease gas flaring at the Ratawi field by late 2025.
A unique feature of ArtawiGas25 is its innovative modular design, which could serve as a model for future gas Treatment processing units in other oil fields across Iraq. This design enables a more efficient and scalable approach to gas recovery, potentially accelerating the country’s transition toward a more sustainable and self-sufficient energy system. If successfully replicated, this model could significantly improve Iraq’s gas infrastructure and reduce dependence on imported energy sources.
In addition to environmental and Gas Treatment energy benefits, the ArtawiGas25 project is expected to create substantial employment opportunities for Iraqi nationals. During the construction phase, the project will generate approximately 160 direct and indirect jobs, providing a boost to the local workforce. Once operational, the facility will maintain around 30 permanent jobs, contributing to long-term employment stability in the region.
Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Middle East & North Africa, Exploration & Production at TotalEnergies, emphasized the strategic importance of the Gas Treatment project, stating, “We are very pleased to launch the ArtawiGas25 project: it will give the Iraqi people a tangible insight into the benefits of the GGIP Gas Treatment , 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.” He further highlighted that the next GGIP milestones will include the commencement of construction for a 1 GW solar project, reinforcing TotalEnergies’ commitment to diversifying Iraq’s energy mix.
The GGIP encompasses four key components, making it one of the most comprehensive energy projects in Iraq’s history. The first component involves the recovery of flared gas from three major oil fields in southern Iraq. This initiative alone is expected to bring substantial environmental benefits by curbing harmful emissions. The second component focuses on redeveloping the Ratawi oil field to optimize crude production and enhance efficiency.
The third component involves the construction of a 1 GWac (1.25 GWp) solar power plant, Gas Treatment marking a significant step toward integrating renewable energy into Iraq’s grid. Finally, the fourth component includes the development of a seawater treatment plant, which will provide a sustainable water source for oil field operations, reducing reliance on freshwater resources.
TotalEnergies’ investment in Iraq’s energy sector aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward cleaner energy solutions. By capturing and utilizing associated gas that would otherwise be wasted, the company is contributing to Iraq’s environmental goals while simultaneously improving the reliability of the country’s power supply. The introduction of large-scale gas processing infrastructure is expected to have a transformative impact on Iraq’s energy landscape, making it less dependent on fuel imports and more capable of meeting its growing electricity demands.
Moreover, the integration of renewable energy into the GGIP framework underscores TotalEnergies’ long-term vision for a diversified and sustainable energy future in Iraq. The 1 GW solar farm, once operational, will play a pivotal role in reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, Gas Treatment, lowering carbon emissions, and stabilizing energy costs. This solar project will complement Iraq’s existing energy sources, creating a more balanced and resilient power grid.
The launch of the ArtawiGas25 project represents the beginning of a new phase in Iraq’s energy development. By implementing advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, TotalEnergies and its partners are setting a precedent for responsible and efficient energy management in the region. The success of this initiative could encourage further investments in similar projects, accelerating Iraq’s journey toward energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.
As Iraq continues to grapple with energy shortages and environmental challenges, initiatives like GGIP and ArtawiGas25 offer promising solutions. The collaborative efforts of TotalEnergies, Basra Oil Company, Gas Treatment and QatarEnergy highlight the importance of international Gas Treatment cooperation in addressing complex energy issues. Through these efforts, Iraq is poised to make significant strides in reducing emissions, enhancing energy security, and fostering economic growth.
The coming years will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of the GGIP on Iraq’s energy sector. As construction progresses and Gas Treatment new facilities come online, the benefits of these projects will become increasingly evident. From reducing gas flaring to expanding renewable energy capacity, the GGIP is set to play a key role in shaping Iraq’s energy future.
With its innovative approach, commitment to sustainability, and focus on economic development, the ArtawiGas25 project exemplifies how modern energy solutions can drive progress in resource-rich nations. As TotalEnergies and its partners continue to advance their work, the long-term vision of a cleaner, more efficient, and energy-secure Iraq is gradually becoming a reality.
