Iraq’s Ministry of Oil celebrated the groundbreaking of the West Qurna 1 Field Operations Center (Phase 1) and inaugurated several service projects in Al-Sadiq District, Basra Province.
The initiatives were carried out by the Basra Oil Company (BOC) in collaboration with PetroChina, the operator of the West Qurna 1 field.
The new center will play a pivotal role in managing water injection, oil production, and gas processing operations. Once operational, it is expected to enhance efficiency and oversight of production activities across the field.
Oil Minister Abdul Ghani emphasized the strategic importance of the West Qurna 1 oil field, which boasts reserves exceeding 22 billion barrels. The field currently produces 550,000 barrels per day (bpd), with ongoing efforts to sustain and boost output.
Key Developments:
- Infrastructure Improvements in Al-Sadiq District
- Road Rehabilitation: Resurfacing and paving of key roads, including “Alam Street” (8.6 km) and “Antar Street” (5.5 km).
- Electricity Projects: Commissioning of a new 33/11 kV substation in Al-Housh area to enhance local power supply.
- Educational Support
- Provision of supplies to 7 schools and the Institute of Fine Arts in Al-Sadiq and Al-Madina districts, including classroom furniture, office equipment, and IT tools.
- Job Creation
- Increased employment opportunities for local residents.
- Gas Utilization Initiative
- The minister directed PetroChina to prioritize capturing and utilizing associated gas for power generation, reducing flaring and contributing to the national grid.
West Qurna 1 was awarded to ExxonMobil during Iraq’s first licensing round in 2010. However, ExxonMobil requested to transfer its stake to PetroChina, a process completed after negotiations and approval in 2023.
(Source: Ministry of Oil)
