BAGHDAD, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's state-owned Midland Oil Company signed a deal with the U.S. energy firm Schlumberger to develop the Akkas gas field in Iraq's western province of Anbar, the Iraqi Oil Ministry said on Tuesday.
Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani said the project will add an estimated 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, bringing the field's total gas production to 100 million, according to a statement by the Iraqi oil ministry.
Abdul Ghani said the gas produced will be directed to the Al-Anbar Combined Cycle Power Plant, which is currently under construction by the Ministry of Electricity.
Iraq has about 132 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, but it flares much of its gas wealth and relies on gas imports to feed its power plants.
The Iraqi government is now working to reduce gas flaring and increase domestic gas development to achieve self-sufficiency and reduce dependence on imports. ■
