Baghdad: Economic experts and specialists have affirmed that the Iraqi government is advancing with programs aimed at developing the gas sector to boost domestic production, reduce import dependency, and fulfill the energy requirements of power generation plants..
According to Iraqi News Agency, these plans are tightly linked with national security, development, and the stabilization of essential services.
The experts emphasized that Iraq possesses one of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, presenting a historic chance to leverage this wealth for achieving energy independence and fortifying the national economy. They noted the necessity of a stable and secure environment for the successful execution of these projects, which is crucial to continuous operations and attracting further investments.
They further elaborated that disruptions in gas projects affect not only the operating companies but also every Iraqi household. As gas is the primary fuel for most power plants, any halt in production leads to reduced electricity supply, economic activity disruptions, impacts on health services, and prolonged power outages.
In discussing the government’s efforts to enhance the domestic gas sector, the experts highlighted the importance of reducing import reliance, minimizing resource wastage, creating job opportunities, supporting national industries, and bolstering Iraq’s self-sufficiency in energy needs. The real challenge, they noted, is not the size of the reserves but accelerating resource development and completing strategic projects for sustainable economic growth.
The successful operation of fields like Khor Mor illustrates the potential of Iraqi gas projects to augment production, generate economic returns, and elevate national expertise when supported by a secure environment. The experts assert that gas infrastructure is as vital as any sovereign asset, forming part of the national security framework that requires rigorous protection.
The Ministry of Electricity previously reported a potential loss of 1,400 megawatts of electricity due to halted gas supplies from the Dana Gas field amidst security challenges. The Ministry has implemented technical measures and an emergency plan to manage the electricity grid and mitigate the impact of the supply shortfall.
The Ministry continues to coordinate with authorities to monitor developments and restore normal operating capacity for generating units, underscoring the critical nature of protecting gas projects to ensure Iraq’s energy security and future economic stability.