OMV in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Delivering Energy for the Region
OMV has been active in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) since 2007 through its operations in the Bina Bawi, Shorish and Mala Omar exploration blocks, as well as its participation in the Pearl Petroleum Company Limited (PPCLD).
Between 2007 and 2013 OMV operated three blocks: Bina Bawi (36%), Shorish (100%) and Mala Omar (100%). These were transferred to Genel Energy in 2013.
Since 2009, OMV holds a 10% share in Pearl Petroleum Company Limited.
In 2022 average OMV production rate from at equity consolidated companies was 10 kboe/d.
Pearl Petroleum
In May 2009, joint operators Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum entered into strategic partnership agreements with OMV and MOL for the joint development of the Khor Mor and Chemchemal gas fields. Both fields have significant gas reserves and contingent resources which are liquids rich, generating condensate and LPG.
MOL and OMV hold each a 10% equity interest in Pearl Petroleum (PPCLD). In 2015, RWEST joined the consortium by acquiring a 10% share in PPCLD.
In 2017, PPCLD expanded its portfolio with the addition of the exploration rights for Block 19 and 20 in KRI.
Khor Mor and Chemchemal Gas Fields
Khor Mor and Chemchemal are major gas fields in northern Iraq, in the Kurdistan region, near to the city of Sulaymaniyah.
The first development phase of the Khor Mor gas field - including the construction of a 176km natural gas pipeline - was completed in 2008, with the first production of gas and condensate in August 2008. In addition, a two-train gas processing plant with a capacity of 300 MMscf/d, has been constructed at Khor Mor, with LPG production commencing in January 2011.
In 2023, capacity at Khor Mor has been further expanded as a result of debottlenecking works allowing Pearl to increase sales gas to 500 MMscf/d.
Currently an expansion project of the Khor Mor field is ongoing with the construction of a new 250 MMscf/d gas processing train and five development wells. Production start is expected in 2024.
Khor Mor production is key to the Kurdistan region’s development because it accounts for around 90% of the natural gas supply of the region and is fully dedicated to generating electricity, satisfying the power demand of the region.
The OMV Strategy 2030 focuses on the following topics:
- Net-zero emissions by 2050
- Growth projects in natural gas, as an energy transition fuel
- Fossil production will be reduced gradually until 2030
- Low carbon business will be built, with significant investments in geothermal energy and CCS
Facts & Figures
- OMV has been active in KRI since 2007
- OMV acquired a 10% share in Pearl Petroleum Company Limited (PPCLD) in 2009
- PPCLD achieved 10 years production in October 2018
- Production in 2022: 10 kboe/d net to OMV
