Transforming wasted gas into energy for Iraq

Powering Progress in Iraq

One of the world’s largest gas flaring reduction projects

Basrah Gas Company (BGC) is an Iraqi joint venture established in 2013, to utilize Basrah’s natural gas resources and convert it into much needed energy essential for the people of Iraq. BGC aims at fulfilling Iraq’s energy strategy by investing further in its natural gas and achieving energy independence -supporting the country’s economy. BGC is also one of the largest gas flaring reduction projects in the world.

BGC is a 25-year joint venture between Iraq’s South Gas Company holding 51%, Shell 44% and Mitsubishi Corporation 5%. BGC is the main gas processing hub in Iraq and plays a vital role in fulfilling Iraq’s energy strategy and economic diversification by gathering, treating, and processing associated gas from three oilfields: Rumaila, West Qurna 1 and Zubair (Licensing Round-1 oilfields), turning natural gas into cleaner energy (otherwise flared).
BGC produces three main products through its operations:

  • Dry gas for power generation
  • Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) used for domestic cooking and heating
  • Condensate used for heavy vehicles and factories

BGC produces dry gas sufficient to generating 3.5 GW of electricity, powering over three million households in Iraq. In 2016, BGC turned Iraq from a net LPG importer to a net exporter by meeting the local demand and exporting the surplus abroad – creating an additional revenue stream to the country. Today BGC provides more than 80% of Iraq’s LPG demand.

x3 times

Increased gas processing capacity more than x 3 times since BGC’s inception in 2013

+ 160 million tons of CO2

prevented over 160 million tons of CO2e emissions from entering the atmosphere from 2013 to date - removing the emissions of more than 3 mill cars off the road.

+ $5 billion

Injected over $5billion into the Iraqi economy through salaries, contracts, and suppliers from 2013 to date

+ 950mmscf/d

Ramped up gas processing capacity from 250mmscf/d to 950mmscf/d

+ 475 shipments

BGC managed more than 475 shipments of LPG and condensate from 2013 to date, in 2016 BGC turned Iraq from a net importer to a net exporter of LPG creating another revenue stream for Iraq

+ 3000 jobs

BGC created more than 3000 job opportunities for Iraqis through a number of projects over the years

3.5 GW

BGC generates approx. 3.5 GW of electricity to power more than 3 million homes in Iraq

+ 80%

BGC provide more than 80% of Iraq’s LPG demand

+ 5000 secondees

BGC’s workforce consists of more than 5000 employees- 96% are local Iraqis and the remaining are expats. Integration is one of our core values