Experts will discuss the developments in the Basra fields, current and upcoming pipeline projects in the region at a major energy conference to be held in Basra this month.

The fourth edition of the Iraq Future Energy Conference, organised by the Energy Exchange in partnership with the Iraq Energy Institute, will be held from November 26 to 28 at the Iraq Energy City.

Falah Al Khawaja, former director general for oil projects at State Company for Oil Projects (Scop) and Ali Alwash, general manager at Scop will also discuss the outcome of the December 4 Opec output target meeting for Iraq.

“The development of the Basra oil fields is very important for federal Iraq’s energy industry. These fields will raise Iraq’s hydrocarbon supply to about 9 mmb/d of oil including present capacity, and lead to trebling gas output by 2020. This is a huge input to world and local supply. Local refining capacity will be doubled, and Iraq’s power generation needs will be met,” said Al Khawaja.

Referring to how critical is it to have an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz for exports, he said: “The Strait of Hormuz issue was exaggerated and may be discarded depending on the ongoing dialogue between the West and Iran. Iraq, however, needs the flexibility of the western route to Jordan and Syria, and the northern route to Turkey.

"Preparatory work for both routes is progressing towards Jordan and Turkey. With the restoration of The Iraqi Pipeline in Saudi Arabia (IPSA), the pipeline to Yanbu remains the aim and a valid option.”

Regarding the outcome of the December 4 Opec output target meeting for Iraq, Al Khawaja said: “It depends on the negations between US and Europe with Iran. The outlook is positive. Either way, there should be no negative effect on Iraq. Iraq is still outside the Opec quota and has not reached its pre-sanctions quota of 4.2m b/d. When it does, hopefully next year the quota may come to the fore.”

The conference aims at providing direct access to regulators, policy and decision makers, as well as early insight into investment plans and project announcements in Iraq. It will include dedicated presentations covering power and infrastructure, capacity building strategies, and oil and gas respectively. - TradeArabia News Service