Anbar: The Ministry of Oil announced today the commencement of drilling operations at the Akkas gas field in Anbar province, aiming to produce 100 million standard cubic feet of gas per day this year.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs, Izzat Saber, emphasized the strategic significance of these operations within the national gas investment plans. The initiative is expected to enhance energy security across the country. During a ceremony at the Akkas gas field, Saber highlighted that the current phase involves drilling five production wells and one appraisal well, alongside constructing central processing facilities for dry gas production. The plan targets achieving a production rate of 100 million standard cubic feet per day by 2026.

Saber further explained that the produced gas will be supplied to the Anbar Combined Cycle Power Plant. This initiative aims to support the electricity generation system, stabilize power supply, reduce import reliance, and bolster the energy sector and related industries. He credited national efforts for the rehabilitation and operation of the field, noting that Iraqi personnel had previously achieved production rates exceeding 40 million standard cubic feet per day, which supplemented the Akkas gas-fired power plant. This achievement demonstrated the capability and efficiency of the national workforce.

Mohammed Yassin Hassan, Director General of the Central Oil Company, stated that cooperation with Schlumberger is vital for the field’s development due to its global expertise and advanced drilling technologies. The Ministry aims, in subsequent phases, to elevate the Akkas field to a peak production capacity of approximately 400 million standard cubic feet per day. The contract signed last July with Schlumberger includes provisions for drilling operations and increasing production in the first phase to 100 million standard cubic feet per day. It also establishes the technical and operational groundwork for future expansion to reach maximum production capacity.

Hassan noted that the Akkas gas field is among the largest free gas fields in Iraq, playing a crucial role in the national gas investment strategy due to its promising reserves and proximity to the electricity generation system. This makes it a key component in enhancing energy security and fostering the development of downstream and petrochemical industries.