Iraq Opens Up To Shell To Implement Major Energy Projects.
July 12, 2025 Baghdad - Qusay Munther Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani affirmed that the Iraqi government is opening its doors to major international companies, most notably Shell, to implement strategic projects in the energy sector.
He emphasized that the government's vision and development plans align with the company's proposals for gas investment and modernizing the oil sector's infrastructure, serving Iraq's interests and enhancing self-sufficiency.
Investment Opportunities
A statement received by Al-Zaman yesterday said that "Al-Sudani received the Deputy CEO of Shell Oil Company, Richard Howe, and during the meeting, they discussed aspects of cooperation in the field of developing the energy sector and investment opportunities to contribute to achieving the common interest of both parties."
Al-Sudani affirmed that "the government is harnessing all capabilities and efforts to implement major projects in light of contracts concluded with international companies, especially those related to gas investment and achieving self-sufficiency in its production.
" He stressed that "Shell's proposals in the field of developing and reforming the oil sector are convergent with the government's vision and plans.
" Al-Sudani pointed out that "the government is open to cooperating with all companies that possess the technology, experience and competence, in order to implement important projects to develop the energy sector and modernize its infrastructure.
" For his part, the Deputy CEO of Shell Company affirmed that "Iraq is a mature environment for investment," reiterating "his company's keenness to develop gas investment from Basra, as well as projects to develop exploration blocks in Dhi Qar and the western region, in a way that enhances and raises the level of energy production in Iraq."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Electricity revealed that all administrative, technical, and logistical requirements related to the import of Turkmen gas have been completed, following the Cabinet's approval to activate the import contract.
Ministry spokesman Ahmed Moussa said in a statement yesterday that "the ministry has completed all administrative, technical, and logistical requirements related to the import of Turkmen gas to compensate for the shortage in Iranian gas."
He continued, "The agreement was submitted to the Prime Minister's Office and received Cabinet approval at its last session."
He stressed that "the ministry is awaiting the completion of the procedures of the Commercial Bank of Iraq related to opening credit and transferring the necessary funds to purchase the gas, which will cover part of the current deficit, estimated at 14 to 15 million cubic meters, contributing to the operation of stations with a capacity exceeding 2,000 megawatts.
" He continued by saying that "the power generation stations are currently operating in a stable condition, after completing maintenance on the generating units and increasing their production capacity to the maximum."
He pointed out that "the long-term agreements concluded by the ministry have achieved their goals in ensuring the sustainability of the stations' operations.
However, the full release of gas remains the most important factor for continuing operations at optimal efficiency, as operating on alternative fuels reduces production efficiency." The Cabinet, in its last session, approved the activation of the gas supply contract from Turkmenistan to supply 14 to 15 million cubic meters per day, achieving an additional energy capacity of 2,000 megawatts.
A Comprehensive Approach
Meanwhile, OPEC Secretary General Haitham Al-Ghais predicted that the world's need for more energy will increase over the next decade. Al-Ghais stressed, on the sidelines of his participation in the OPEC International Symposium, which is being held at its headquarters in the Austrian capital, that "there is a great need to pump huge investments into the energy mix, with an emphasis on a comprehensive approach that includes the use of modern technology, reducing harmful emissions, and taking into account the needs of the oil market, especially those of non-energy-exporting countries."
He revealed that "the organization is issuing its forecast report for the first time during the organization's international symposium, as it provides forecasts on the interconnected and interrelated issues related to the development of the oil market, and provides important information that benefits policymakers, decision-makers, experts, and companies. LINK
