Iraq is aiming to significantly increase natural gas production from the Akkas gas field, with plans to raise output to 400 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) by the end of the decade.
According to the Ministry of Oil, the project will be carried out in stages, with an initial target of reaching 143 MMscfd by mid-2027.
The announcement comes as Iraqi officials prepare to meet with representatives from U.S. energy company ConocoPhillips in Baghdad to discuss the implementation of an agreement signed between the company and the Iraqi government through the Ministry of Oil in the United States.
Mohammed Yassin Hassan, Director General of Midland Oil Company (MdOC), said the Akkas field is currently producing around 43 MMscfd under a national development effort launched after the field suffered extensive damage during ISIS attacks in 2014.
As part of the ongoing development work, SLB, formerly known as Schlumberger, is carrying out a project that includes drilling six new wells and building a gas processing facility with a capacity of 100 MMscfd.
Hassan explained that the first phase of the project is expected to be completed by mid-2027. Once operational, the additional processing capacity would increase total production at the field to approximately 143 MMscfd.
Looking beyond that milestone, Iraq plans to work with its new investment partner to develop a long-term strategy aimed at nearly tripling production levels. The ultimate goal is to reach 400 MMscfd before the end of 2030.
The Akkas gas field is considered one of Iraq’s most important natural gas assets. Increasing production is expected to support the country’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported gas, strengthen domestic energy supplies, and provide more fuel for electricity generation.
The planned expansion also reflects Iraq’s broader strategy of developing its natural gas resources to meet growing energy demand and make better use of the country’s untapped gas reserves.
