Rising tensions between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Baghdad that have seen both sides mobilize troops and face off over disputed territories and oil have prompted the Kurds to cut exports. But at a conference in the Kurdish capital of Irbil earlier this month, a number of foreign oil investors unveiled development plans, that if green lighted, should lay the foundations of a major new oil industry in the region.
The KRG is pinning its hopes on opening up an independent export route, which will need support from Turkey. There are two potential pipeline projects that could impact developments by early 2014. Firstly Anglo-Turkish Genel Energy is planning an independent pipeline from its 100,000 b/d Taq Taq field to the Khurmala Dome and then on to Fishkabur near the Turkish border. “The line from Taq Taq to Khurmala is being commissioned today,” Genel CEO, Tony Hayward said on 4 December. “It will start operations in the New Year.” Genel would hope to start construction of the line to Fishkabur early next year, with completion due “by the end of 2013…early 2014.” (CONTINUED - 763 WORDS)
