By: Oil & gas Middle east

QatarEnergy, TotalEnergies and Basra Oil Company have announced the start of construction on two major projects in Iraq: the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP) and Phase 2 of the Artawi Oil Field Redevelopment (Artawi Phase 2 Project).

The projects, unveiled at a ceremony in Baghdad attended by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, form the final components of Iraq’s Gas Growth Integrated Project (GGIP) — a $13 billion multi-phase initiative designed to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.

Under the partnership, TotalEnergies is the operator with a 45% stake, while QatarEnergy holds 25% and Basra Oil Company 30%.

Water and Oil Milestones

The CSSP will process and transport 5 million barrels of seawater per day to major oil fields in southern Iraq. The facility, to be operated by Basra Oil Company, is expected to significantly reduce pressure on freshwater resources from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers by freeing up 250,000 cubic meters of freshwater daily. Officials say the project will support agricultural sustainability while enhancing long-term water security.

Meanwhile, the Artawi Phase 2 Project aims to increase production from the Artawi oil field to 210,000 barrels per day by 2028, while positioning it as one of Iraq’s lowest-emission oil production sites.

Strategic Partnership

At the launch event, Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and QatarEnergy President and CEO, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, called the milestone “a pivotal step in our shared journey with Iraq toward energy resilience and sustainability.” He added: “The launch of the CSSP and the Artawi Phase 2 Project reflects our deep commitment to Iraq’s energy sector and economic growth.”

The three partners also signed a joint statement with the Government of Iraq and the Ministry of Oil, reaffirming their commitment to deliver the GGIP.

Broader Impact

The GGIP includes the recovery of gas currently flared at three southern oil fields to supply Iraq’s power plants, the redevelopment of Artawi, the construction of a 1 GWac solar farm, and large-scale seawater treatment for reservoir pressure maintenance.

The initiative is intended to improve Iraq’s electricity supply, reduce emissions, and attract international investment to the country’s energy sector.