BAGHDAD Ñ Iraq has drafted an ambitious energy plan for 2005.
Officials said the Iraqi Oil Ministry has completed a plan for the
drilling of 2,000 wells in the search for new crude oil and natural gas
reserves in 2005. They said the ministry also wants to extend natural gas
lines for more than 3,000 kilometers.
"These projects are part of the ministry's plan for 2005, in addition to
developing the existing oil wells," Iraqi Oil Minister Thamir Al Ghadhaban
said.
In all, the minister said, Iraq has prepared 42 projects for 2005. He
said the projects would be soon offered for tender.