Iraq could export gas to Germany

Berlin, The Gulf Observer: Iraq could become a gas supplier to Germany under closer energy ties being sought by both countries.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he discussed the possibility with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani at talks in Berlin on Friday.

It came as Iraq agreed a deal with German company Siemens Energy to upgrade the Iraqi power grid.

Mr Al Sudani said Iraq wants to make better use of its large gas reserves and potentially export them to Europe, while Germany is looking for new suppliers after Russia turned off the tap.

“We talked about possible gas deliveries to Germany and agreed to stay in close contact on this subject,” Mr Scholz said in Berlin.

Iraq wants to help meet global energy needs while also stimulating its domestic economy, said Mr Al Sudani, who added that gas deliveries to Europe could be made through Turkey.

Iraq could export gas to Germany as part of closer energy ties

He said German companies could help address the problem of gas flaring — the waste of resources that occurs when excess gas is burnt during oil production.

Iraq has the world’s 12th-largest proven gas reserves but is the second-worst offender in flaring, behind Russia, according to the International Energy Agency.

“We are striving for a better use of flared gas, and correspondingly we can use gas much better and more efficiently,” Mr Al Sudani said.

“We offered during today’s visit that German companies can invest in these areas and be present in Iraq.”