Iraq is moving towards securing an expanded role for France’s Total in its oil and gas sector. Total’s presence in Iraq is relatively modest, but the two parties this week signed an MoU to examine cooperation on “large and promising projects.” Oil Minister Ihsan Ismaael says the MoU follows six months of talks.

A 26 January ministry statement says that the MoU will in particular focus on gas and clean energy projects. Mr Ismaael has announced an extremely optimistic target for renewables to account for 20-30% of capacity by 2027. (CONTINUED - 719 WORDS)