2023-12-11T15:51:25+00:00
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/ The Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs, Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani, confirmed on Monday that Iraq is committed to the Paris Agreement, and succeeded in reducing thermal emissions by 2% thanks to the projects that were launched at the end of last year.
During his participation in the 12th Arab Energy Conference in Qatar, Abdul Ghani pointed out the importance of holding the conference in achieving energy security, as it is one of the most important challenges facing the countries of the region, in addition to the importance of the energy transition and how to balance control over important points in oil and gas production.
He added, ”Iraq has come a long way in supporting clean energy projects, chemical industries, fertilizers, and others through investing in associated gas,” noting that “Iraq has great energy from oil and gas production, and during the last period the government has taken important decisions to maximize the use of clean energy, especially By concluding contracts that were signed during the previous period.”
The Iraqi Minister of Oil pointed out the signing of a contract with Total Gas Investment Company for a quantity of 600 million cubic feet from (5) fields, in addition to two major projects, one of which is the establishment of a water purification station and directing it for reservoir injection purposes with a capacity of 5 million barrels per day, which provides, or is equivalent to, this quantity of Potable water and for human uses such as agriculture and supporting environmental conservation efforts. The other project is the establishment of an electrical power generation station using solar energy with a capacity of 1000-1200 megawatts. This project is considered one of the largest renewable energy or solar energy projects in the region, and therefore this project contributes to enhancing The role of relying on renewable energy.
Abdul-Ghani stressed Iraq’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its success in reducing thermal emissions by 2% thanks to the projects that were launched at the end of last year, explaining that “thanks to one of the Basra Gas Company projects with a capacity of 200 million cubic feet of gas, Iraq was able to reduce thermal emissions by 2%. There is a similar project that will be launched at the end of the first semester of 2024, and will contribute to reducing thermal emissions.
The Minister of Oil said, ”Agriculture and green areas contribute to reducing the percentage of carbon in the atmosphere. Therefore, conferences on the environment must include an important topic, which is the perpetuation and continuation of the issuance of water shares in upstream countries. Iraq has begun to support carbon bond projects in the Central Oil Company.”
Abdul Ghani called for “participation in the competition for the fifth and sixth licensing rounds that were launched, which is expected to invest 3,000 cubic meters of gas to support the electricity sector.”
How does Iraq’s commitment to the Paris Agreement influence its energy policy and emission reduction efforts?
Interview with Hayyan Abdul Ghani, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Minister Abdul Ghani. It’s a pleasure to have you here to discuss Iraq’s commitment to energy sustainability and the recent developments in this field.
Hayyan Abdul Ghani: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss these crucial topics.
Editor: Recently, you announced that Iraq has successfully reduced thermal emissions by 2% through various projects. What were the main drivers behind this reduction?
Abdul Ghani: Our commitment stems from our obligation to the Paris Agreement. The projects we initiated at the end of last year aimed at improving energy efficiency and integrating clean energy technologies have been pivotal. By investing in associated gas and enhancing our overall emissions management, we’re making significant strides.
Editor: That’s a commendable achievement! Can you explain the importance of the recent Arab Energy Conference in Qatar, in the context of energy security and the energy transition?
Abdul Ghani: Absolutely. The conference served as a platform for regional cooperation to address energy security, which is a pressing challenge for many countries in the Middle East. It also highlighted the need for a balanced approach in the energy transition, ensuring that we control vital oil and gas production points while investing in renewable energy sources.
Editor: Balancing traditional energy sources with renewable ones must present unique challenges. How is Iraq managing this transition while maintaining its oil and gas production levels?
Abdul Ghani: Great question. We’re aware of the need to maintain our energy output. That’s why we are investing in clean energy projects alongside traditional industries. We’ve signed contracts that support this dual approach, such as our recent agreement with Total Gas Investment for significant output from several fields, which will allow us to optimize our energy mix.
Editor: That’s fascinating. You mentioned investing in chemical industries and fertilizers as part of this transition. Could you elaborate on this strategy and its potential impact?
Abdul Ghani: Certainly. By investing in related sectors like the chemical industry and fertilizers, we’re maximizing the utility of our natural resources. This not only creates jobs but also adds value to our economy. Our focus on sustainability means we’re seeking to reduce environmental impacts while enhancing production efficiency—key components of our long-term energy strategy.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are Iraq’s next steps in advancing its energy policies?
Abdul Ghani: Our government is fully committed to further integrating clean technologies. Future projects will include more extensive contracts and investments in renewable energy infrastructure. We believe that a diversified energy portfolio will help not only transition to sustainable energy but also secure our economic future.
Editor: Thank you, Minister Abdul Ghani, for sharing these insights today. It’s clear that Iraq is on a promising path towards energy sustainability while maintaining its vital oil and gas industries.
Abdul Ghani: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. I believe with collaborative efforts, we can achieve significant progress.