[Iraq expects Total to launch a $27 billion energy project in the second half of this year] Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Basim Mohammed said Friday that after finalizing an affiliated contract with a state-owned oil company, Iraq expects Total Energy to start operating a long-delayed oil, gas and renewable energy project in the second half of 2023 with a total investment of $27 billion. "Total Energy and Basra Oil are currently finalizing some contract procedures and the documents needed to initiate the contract," he said. Meetings with Total are continuing to avoid any delays and the contract will be launched and operational in the second half of this year. " The agreement, signed in 2021, allows Total Energy to build four oil, gas and renewable energy projects in southern Iraq with an initial investment of $10 billion for 25 years, but was delayed because of disputes among Iraqi politicians over the terms.