Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

The first segment of two phases of the South Pars gas field in Iran will come on stream in the next few days, Press TV reported.

National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) Managing Director Ahmad Qalebani paid a visit to the refinery of phases 15 and 16 of South Pars gas field and lauded endeavors made by Iranian contractors and experts to launch the first phase of the gas sweetening project at the refinery of the phases.

"It makes us proud that Iranian experts have succeeded in designing, constructing and launching a mega gas project for the first time. We hope that such an experience would prepare the ground for the successful commissioning of other major projects in this joint field," he noted.

Recently, Iranian Oil Minister Rostam Qasemi has said the development of different phases of the South Pars gas field is going ahead despite sanctions against Iran over its nuclear energy program.

He said South Pars phases are being developed through the efforts and endeavors of capable Iranian specialists and experts, and despite sanctions and certain difficulties, the development of this joint field is progressing satisfactorily.

Qasemi further noted that six phases of the South Pars gas field have been developed by 62 percent in less than 35 months and four others by 50 percent, while building refineries for some of the phases has progressed by more than 75 percent.

He said 20 drilling rigs are currently active in the field, and the number is the highest ever since the development of the South Pars gas field got underway.

Qasemi noted that nearly 100,000 people are currently working in the South Pars field, saying that Iranian manufacturers play a major role in procurement of equipment and parts for the development of the field.

In early July, Qasemi announced that five phases of the South Pars gas field will come on stream in early September.

He added that a large proportion of equipment required for the development of 17 phases of the giant gas field is now being supplied by domestic manufacturers.

Iran, which sits on the world's second largest natural gas reserves after Russia, is making efforts to attract more foreign and domestic investment, especially in South Pars, in order to boost gas production.

The South Pars/North Dome field is a gas field located in the Persian Gulf. It is the world's largest gas field and is shared by Iran and Qatar. The field's recoverable gas reserves are estimated to be equivalent to 215 billion barrels of oil. It also holds about 16 billion barrels of recoverable condensate.

The South Pars field, which is divided into 29 phases, has about 14 trillion cubic meters of gas, or about eight percent of total world reserves.