France-based TotalEnergies has announced the start of construction on two projects aimed at increasing the production of natural gas in Iraq.
The two projects are the last two elements of the larger Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP), which TotalEnergies operates and leads with a 45% interest. Construction of a plant for treating 300 million cubic feet per day (Mcf/d) of natural gas and a 1 GW solar facility already began at the start of the year. TotalEnergies, which makes the total lubricant and coolant products, sees the GGIP as a flagship project under its multi-energy approach.
The new projects include building a plant for treating and transporting up to 5 million barrels of seawater per day for use in southern Iraq’s major oil fields. This will replace water from the Euphrates, Tigris and aquifers, so it can be used instead for agricultural purposes.
TotalEnergies CEO and chairman, Patrick Pouyanné, said the company was thrilled to be realising the last two elements in the GGIP, especially the long-awaited seawater treatment plant. He added:
“In less than 2 years since the GGIP effective date in August 2023, TotalEnergies and its partners have fully executed their commitment towards the people of Iraq and launched all projects included in the multi-energy GGIP project, the best showcase of TotalEnergies’ transition strategy.”
He said the projects will employ 7,000 local workers during construction and contribute significantly to the country’s economy. He also confirmed that some related solar, oil and gas projects will become operational as early as next year.
