On Tuesday, the energy ministers of Norway and Iraq delivered key ministerial-level speeches on the first day of South Sudan Oil & Power (SSOP) 2022 (https://bit.ly/3A1hgvV), discussing the role of climate change, COVID-19 and geopolitical conflict on sustainable energy development, as well as the potential for increased energy cooperation between Europe, the Middle East and East Africa. Norway’s Oil and Energy Minister Terje Asland and Iraq’s Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul Jabber delivered video messages.
“Our most important task as politicians is to improve energy security. How can we make the energy system more resilient to meet an ever-changing world?” – asked Minister Asland. “To solve the challenges of energy access and energy transition, we need global cooperation. We all have to do our part. Norway will remain a stable and predictable supplier of energy to international markets and will continue to develop our resources in both oil and renewable energy.
Already South Sudan’s strategic partner for peace and sustainable development, Norway is a valuable model for integrated energy development, being a key European supplier of oil and gas to the world market. The Norwegian minister identified a clear policy framework as one of the keys to the development of bilateral energy cooperation and sustainable energy growth.
“South Sudan has both energy and mineral resources, as well as a good foundation in existing legislation. Your oil revenues can benefit the entire population if governance and transparency in the sector are strengthened,” Minister Asland said. “We must build on the platform of opportunity in our countries and regions, reducing emissions and developing technologies towards a sustainable future full of energy.”
As the world’s fourth-largest oil producer, Iraq is another global oil and gas powerhouse, producing nearly 4.6 million barrels per day and amassing vast on-the-ground experience that could help transform South Sudan’s industry. Like South Sudan, Iraq is seeking to balance hydrocarbon development with its campaign to reduce carbon emissions in light of both energy security and energy transition concerns.
“The whole world is paying attention to energy producers. Global demand for electricity is projected to grow by 50% by 2040, which means that it is critical that energy is available, even in complex and dynamic environments,” said Minister Abdul Jabber. “South Sudan’s oil plans should maximize investment and focus on fields with high gas availability to supply the local market and reduce oil consumption. Iraq has the same problems when it comes to using local fuel to generate electricity.’
Echoing the sentiments of his Norwegian counterpart, Minister Abdul Jabber emphasized the role of technology, knowledge sharing and best practices in enabling countries such as South Sudan, which have the third largest oil reserves in sub-Saharan Africa, to exploit their hydrocarbons. resources.
“Technology advances can help provide energy by eliminating emissions from oil consumption and increasing efficiency. Digitization will be key to increasing the efficiency of oil extraction and production and helping producers reduce waste. We would like to emphasize that Iraq has a wide range of oil exploration capabilities and expertise that can be shared with our friends in South Sudan.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
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