Iraq’s Nasiriyah and Gharraf natural gas field investment project has entered an advanced implementation stage, with specialized equipment now fully delivered and on-site installation set to begin, according to a statement by the Ministry of Oil. The project is being developed in cooperation with US US-based energy services company, Baker Hughes, in line with directives from Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad.

The facility is designed to process around 200 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) of natural gas, with initial operations expected to begin in the first quarter (Q1) of 2027. Production will be ramped up gradually in accordance with approved engineering plans.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Oil for Gas Affairs Izzat Saber Ismail described the project as one of the ministry’s key strategic priorities, noting that it will help boost fuel supplies to Iraq’s national power grid and enhance the stability of the energy system. The Ministry of Oil and the South Gas Company are working to complete all technical and construction requirements within the scheduled timeframe.

Once operational, the project is expected to significantly reduce the flaring of associated natural gas, cut harmful emissions, and improve the utilization of Iraq’s domestic energy resources. Officials said this would deliver economic benefits while supporting cleaner energy production and electricity generation across the country.

Iraq has made steady progress in its oil and natural gas sector in recent years, focusing on boosting production capacity, reducing natural gas flaring, and expanding natural gas capture projects to support power generation.

The government has intensified cooperation with international energy companies to rehabilitate infrastructure, develop associated natural gas resources, and strengthen energy security while improving environmental performance.