Conference Themes

- Innovation and Investments for the Future

Iraq stands on the brink of a new era in energy, where innovation and technology are key drivers of growth and sustainability. This theme explores how cutting-edge advancements, such as AI, IoT, and clean energy technologies, can revolutionise Iraq’s energy landscape. From integrating renewable energy sources to modernising electricity generation and distribution, innovation is the cornerstone of Iraq’s journey towards a resilient and efficient energy sector. Join industry leaders and tech pioneers to discuss the future of energy in Iraq and the strategies needed to harness these innovations effectively.

- Energy and Economic Diversification

Economic diversification is crucial for Iraq’s long-term stability and growth. This theme focuses on how strategic investments in various energy and infrastructure sectors, including the Iraq Development Road project, can create new economic opportunities, reduce dependence on oil, and foster sustainable development. The discussions will delve into successful models from other countries, the importance of policy and regulatory support, and the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving economic reform. Emphasising workforce development, especially through vocational training and encouraging youth and women’s participation, is essential to building a diversified and robust economy.

- Maximising Iraq’s Energy Future through Petrochemicals and Natural Gas

The petrochemical and natural gas sectors are vital components of Iraq’s energy strategy and key drivers of industrial growth. This theme explores how Iraq can capitalise on its rich natural resources to develop competitive industries in both sectors, fostering economic diversification and industrial integration. Key discussions will focus on investment opportunities, the role of partnerships in enhancing these industries, and the strategies required to build world-class petrochemical and natural gas sectors. By focusing on these resources, Iraq can create new value chains, generate jobs, and stimulate broader economic development, while also ensuring a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

- Environmental Impact and Climate Change

Climate change poses a significant challenge to Iraq’s energy sector and overall development. This theme addresses the critical need for sustainable practices in energy production, emphasizing Iraq’s role in international climate agreements and the strategies required to mitigate environmental impact. Discussions will cover the integration of renewable energy to reduce the carbon footprint, methods to reduce toxic emissions, and the creation of new job opportunities through green technologies. By adopting comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies, Iraq can protect its environment while driving economic growth and securing a sustainable energy future.

- Electricity Sector Reform

Reforming Iraq’s electricity sector is essential for meeting the nation’s growing energy demands and improving the quality of life for its citizens. This theme will explore the current challenges in electricity generation and distribution, focusing on strategies to overcome these issues and create a more reliable and efficient power system. Discussions will highlight the role of private sector involvement, innovations in grid modernization, and the importance of regulatory support to drive reforms. By addressing these challenges, Iraq can unlock new opportunities for economic development, ensure energy security, and pave the way for a sustainable electricity future.

- Bridging the Gap Between Baghdad and Erbil

Effective collaboration between Iraq’s federal and regional governments is crucial for the country’s energy future. This theme focuses on the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between Baghdad and Erbil, particularly in revenue-sharing and coordinated infrastructure projects. Discussions will explore potential solutions for equitable distribution of resources, resolving disputes that hinder progress, and the benefits of joint initiatives. By fostering cooperation, Iraq can achieve more unified and sustainable energy development that benefits all regions of the country.

- Energy Security in a Changing World

Global energy security is increasingly volatile, with shifting geopolitical landscapes and emerging threats. This theme examines Iraq’s role in the global energy market and the strategies needed to strengthen its position amidst these changes. Topics will include international cooperation for energy security, regional partnerships, and the impact of global trends on Iraq’s energy sector. By understanding and adapting to these dynamics, Iraq can enhance its energy security and contribute to a more stable global energy environment.

- The Future of Water: Conflict, Cooperation, and Sustainability

Water scarcity is a growing concern with profound implications for Iraq’s development and stability. This theme explores the pressing challenges associated with managing water resources in the face of climate change, population growth, and regional tensions. Panel discussions will address strategies for equitable water distribution, innovative solutions for sustainable water management, and the role of international cooperation in mitigating water-related conflicts. Emphasis will be placed on policies to protect Iraq’s water resources, the integration of advanced technologies to improve water efficiency, and the importance of fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By prioritising sustainability and cooperative frameworks, Iraq can safeguard its water future and support its broader development goals.

- Iraq’s Role in the Oil Market Pricing, OPEC+ Policies, and Collaboration

As a key player in the global oil market, Iraq’s role within OPEC+ significantly influences oil production quotas and pricing strategies. This theme will explore Iraq’s contribution to stabilising oil prices, its decision-making processes within OPEC+, and how these policies affect both the global energy market and Iraq’s domestic economy. Experts will discuss collaborative strategies between Iraq and OPEC+ members to balance production targets, drive economic growth, and ensure long-term energy market stability, alongside the challenges of balancing Iraq’s production levels with its long-term economic goals. Strengthening Iraq’s influence within OPEC+ can help ensure more stable oil markets and a resilient future for its energy sector.

Maximizing Iraq’s Energy Future through Petrochemicals and Natural Gas

Speakers:

• Izzat Esmaeel, Deputy Minister of Oil
• Jasim Al Falahi, Deputy Minister of Environment
• Ahmed Mufti, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources KRG
• Abdulla Al Qadi, Iraq Country Chairman of Al Hilal Oil Company
• Idris Jawad, Journalist, Moderator

The first session, titled Enhancing Iraq’s Energy Future through Petrochemicals and Natural Gas, brought together a session of senior officials and energy experts to examine the strategic role of Iraq’s natural resources in shaping the country’s energy future.

At the heart of the discussion was a key question: How can Iraq best leverage its abundant natural wealth to secure a sustainable energy future? Participants emphasised the urgent need to invest in associated natural gas, currently a by-product of oil extraction, and to maximise the use of national resources for domestic benefit.

The panellist’s responses highlighted both the significant opportunities available to Iraq in the energy sector and the substantial challenges that must be addressed to unlock this potential. Their insights underscored the importance of coordinated action, strategic investment, and regulatory reform to ensure Iraq can fully harness its energy assets for long-term development and economic diversification.

Mr. Izzat Sabir Esmaeel, Deputy Minister of Oil, opened his remarks by highlighting the significant progress Iraq’s oil sector has achieved over the past decade. He emphasised the Ministry of Oil’s strategic objective of eliminating routine gas flaring entirely by 2030. Presenting a range of key data and indicators, Esmaeel noted that Iraq holds approximately 127 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves, ranking 11th globally. Of this total, 75% is associated gas produced alongside crude oil, while 25% is non-associated gas.

He explained that the Ministry’s gas strategy focuses on capturing and utilising all flared gas to support oil extraction and electricity generation. Between 2020 and 2024, Iraq successfully reinvested 66% of flared gas into productive uses, a marked improvement and a foundation for further expansion.

Esmaeel stressed the broader economic and environmental benefits of gas utilisation, forecasting that capturing flared gas could increase state revenues by up to $30 million per day by 2030. He underscored that Iraq’s energy ambitions are aligned with international treaties and climate commitments, adding that for every dollar invested in the gas sector, the expected return is threefold.

To accelerate this transition, Esmaeel announced that the Iraqi government has allocated $10 billion over the next ten years to expand investment in the gas sector. This long-term commitment is aimed at achieving zero flaring, improving environmental outcomes, and boosting national revenue. He also referenced a range of future gas initiatives under consideration, including plans to diversify import sources and construct a gas import terminal at the Grand Port of Al-Faw, strengthening Iraq’s energy infrastructure.

In conclusion, Esmaeel reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to removing bureaucratic barriers and creating an attractive investment climate for domestic and international stakeholders. By cultivating a more accessible, transparent, and investor-friendly environment, the Ministry aims to accelerate growth in Iraq’s gas sector and position it as a cornerstone of economic and environmental resilience.

In response to a question by the session moderator regarding the burdens faced by the Ministry of Environment in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions, Mr. Jasim Al-Falahi, Deputy Minister of Environment, emphasised that the oil and gas sectors are among the primary targets of both national and international environmental policies. He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to achieving sustainable economic growth while minimising environmental pollution. While Iraq continues to rely heavily on oil production as a cornerstone of its economy and energy supply, Al-Falahi noted that the Ministry is actively working to improve environmental outcomes by adopting practical policies and mechanisms aimed at pollution reduction and sustainability enhancement.

He clarified that the Ministry’s objective is not to reduce oil production or dependency per se, but to support the government’s broader strategy of transitioning from a rentier economy to one driven by diverse productive sectors, including smart agriculture. In this context, he revealed that the Prime Minister has directed the formulation of a National Environmental Policy tailored to Iraq’s unique conditions, with the goal of fostering sustainable economic diversification.

Al-Falahi also praised Iraq’s growing engagement in international environmental forums, highlighting the active representation by ministry officials to reinforce the country’s commitment to global environmental goals.

Al-Falahi also praised Iraq’s growing engagement in international environmental forums, highlighting the active representation by ministry officials to reinforce the country’s commitment to global environmental goals.

Looking ahead, he stated that the year 2035 will mark a pivotal milestone for Iraq in implementing the Paris Climate Agreement, with key objectives including increased production, optimal investment in water resources, and the development of infrastructure capable of supporting sustainable economic diversification.

He further noted that Iraq is working to enhance its emissions reduction ambitions through its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and the effective deployment of technology, particularly in vulnerable sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, and water resources.

He stressed the importance of both the Local Adaptation Plan (LAP) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which will articulate Iraq’s vision for responding to escalating climate impacts. These plans will also include a dedicated adaptation strategy for the oil and gas industry, encouraging a sustainable transition towards infrastructure capable of supporting value-added processing industries in the sector.

Commenting on a proposal to establish a specialised carbon credit company, Al-Falahi announced that Iraq has already established the General Company for Carbon Economics, the first independent administrative, technical, and financial entity under the Ministry of Environment. This initiative is part of Iraq’s broader vision for a green, sustainable economy. The company is tasked with overseeing the carbon credit file, including the creation of an electronic platform for listing and trading carbon bonds, with the aim of leveraging these instruments in the global carbon credit market. He added that the company has begun designing its operational framework and seeks to establish partnerships with specialised firms both regionally and internationally.

In conclusion, Al-Falahi emphasised that reforms across various sectors will positively impact Iraq’s environmental status. He stressed that environmental degradation and pollution remain dynamic challenges, requiring robust legal frameworks, such as the Environmental Protection Law, and strict oversight of industrial facilities, along with enforcement measures to hold violators accountable and ensure continued improvement in Iraq’s environmental landscape.

Speaking from the perspective of the Kurdistan Regional Government, Mr. Ahmed Mufti, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, emphasised that achieving efficient utilisation of associated gas in Iraq will require long-term investment in the oil sector and modernisation of extraction practices. He noted that investors have faced persistent challenges in managing associated gas since the 1970s, and that successive governments have historically failed to prioritise or adequately invest in its development.

Mufti highlighted that approximately 80% of Iraq’s non-associated gas is produced in the Kurdistan Region, underscoring the strategic importance of expanding gas sector development across the entire country. He cautioned that while the federal government has set an ambitious goal of reducing associated gas flaring to zero within five years, this target may prove highly difficult, if not unattainable, within that time frame. In his assessment, a more realistic horizon for achieving this objective would span ten years, and the initial capital and maintenance costs required to develop the gas sector could reach as much as $50 billion.

Emphasising the broader industrial implications, Mufti stressed the need for the Iraqi government to actively support the domestic petrochemicals industry, not only through financial investment, but also by promoting local products to enhance their competitiveness against foreign alternatives. He noted that building a robust and globally competitive petrochemical industry requires a supportive ecosystem, including access to modern technologies and adequate resources.

To guide this effort, Mufti called for the adoption of a national action plan with concrete, achievable objectives over a five-year period. Such a roadmap, he argued, would help catalyse sustainable development in Iraq’s gas sector and significantly improve electricity generation capacity, ultimately addressing the country’s ongoing energy needs.

He pointed to the relative success of gas sector development in the Kurdistan Region, attributing it to effective governance by the Ministry of Natural Resources. He cited the KhorMor gas field as a model of successful public-private cooperation, where the private sector has led operations under the supervision of the regional government. This approach, he said, demonstrates the value of enabling partnerships between public institutions and private investors to accelerate development.

In closing, Mufti warned that Iraq continues to lose valuable time and resources due to the underdevelopment of its non-associated gas industry. He urged national decision-makers to accelerate regulatory processes and implement clear strategies to fully harness Iraq’s gas potential, an essential step toward strengthening the country’s energy sector and securing long-term national benefits.

In his remarks, Mr. Abdullah Al-Qadi, Iraq Country Chairman of Al Hilal Oil Company, underscored the structural disparity between investment in oil and gas. He noted that oil projects typically involve lower costs and lower risks, which has led to a limited number of companies entering the gas sector. To remedy this imbalance, Al-Qadi called on the Iraqi government to introduce targeted incentives and support mechanisms to attract investment into this strategically vital industry. He emphasised the importance of deploying qualified, technically skilled personnel to manage gas development projects to ensure their success.

Al-Qadi further urged the Iraqi authorities to streamline the administrative procedures that often hinder progress in the oil and gas sector.

He argued that granting operational authority to private companies to bypass certain bureaucratic hurdles could significantly accelerate energy project timelines. As a case in point, he highlighted the successful development of the Khor Mor gas field in 2007. Thanks to the enabling environment created by the government, companies were able to commence gas production within just 15 months, unimpeded by regulatory obstacles.

Expanding on the technical and logistical distinctions between oil and gas, Al-Qadi noted that gas field development requires more time, greater capital, and specialised technology. He stressed the need for clearly defined plans and timelines to guide future gas development efforts. He reiterated that Iraq has the potential to achieve significant progress in this area, provided that bureaucratic barriers are removed, and companies are actively encouraged to invest. He also emphasised that the gas sector requires a higher level of governmental backing than it currently receives.

Responding to a question from journalist Idris Jawad regarding the timeline for utilising gas resources, particularly from the KhorMor field, Al-Qadi shared Crescent Petroleum’s future plans in Diyala Governorate. He revealed that the company intends to confirm the presence of substantial gas reserves in the area within the next two years. He expressed hope that Diyala’s oil fields could serve as a foundation for a broader, interconnected national strategy to develop Iraq’s gas assets. He also confirmed that Crescent currently produces 530 million standard cubic feet per day from KhorMor, with an additional 270 million expected by the end of the year as part of an expansion initiative.

With respect to the Kurdistan Region, Al-Qadi emphasised that excess gas production there will be used to power electricity stations across Iraq. He firmly stated that Sulaymaniyah’s gas is for all Iraqis, it is not exported between provinces but rather invested domestically to meet national energy demands.

In closing, Al-Qadi acknowledged the multifaceted challenges Iraq faces, from environmental and climate-related issues that require robust legislative and governmental intervention, to ongoing complexities in the relationship between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. Nonetheless, he stressed that the opportunity to advance energy sector investment and development remains viable and can be realised, if approached with the right policies, political will, and execution.