Qatar Ready to Help Iran Develop its Share of Common Gas Field

Qatar wants to help Iran develop its share of the world's biggest gas field so both countries can reap the maximum long-term rewards, sources at state-run Qatar Petroleum (QP) told news agency Reuters.

The gas field, located in the Persian Gulf is shared by Iran and Qatar. Iran calls it South Pars gas field and Qatar has named it North Dome field. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the field holds an estimated 1,800 trillion cubic feet (51 trillion cubic metres) of in-situ natural gas and some 50 billion barrels (7.9 billion cubic metres) of natural gas condensates.

Qatar has imposed moratorium on its side of the field on new development to avoid overproduction while Iran is unable to fully exploit its share due to lack of technology.

According to Reuters, some in Doha believe Iran's relations with the West have thawed enough for other experts in Qatar's multi-national energy industry to share some knowledge already gathered from probing deep below the seabed.

"After Iran signed the nuclear deal this has opened the door for us to help them with making more use of South Pars, and the plan is to give them advice on technology and exploring the geology of the field," a QP source told Reuters.

Iran's new energy minister said in August that he wants the two countries to work together to maximize production and there are signs that they are looking to cooperate, adds Reuters.

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