Egypt has announced a significant new natural gas discovery in the Nile Delta, marking a key step in its intensified push to bolster domestic energy production and security. The find was made at the Nidoco N-2 exploratory well in the West Abu Madi concession, located in the Kafr El-Sheikh governorate.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources stated that the well is expected to yield approximately 50 million cubic feet of gas per day once fully operational. This discovery comes at a critical time as Egypt works to reverse a recent decline in its natural gas output.
The project is operated by the international energy company Eni in partnership with BP and the state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) through Petrobel, their joint venture. Utilizing advanced directional drilling techniques, the team successfully reached shallow offshore reserves from an onshore location—a method praised for its cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Strategically positioned less than two kilometers from existing infrastructure, the new site allows for a rapid connection to the national grid. Early production is anticipated to begin within weeks, providing a timely boost to the country's energy supply.
This discovery aligns with Egypt's broader energy strategy for 2026. Authorities have set an ambitious target to increase daily gas production from around 4.1 billion cubic feet to 6.6 billion cubic feet by 2027. As part of this plan, the government aims to drill more than 100 exploratory wells across the country this year alone, seeking to unlock new reserves and ensure a stable, secure energy future.
For global observers and investors, Egypt's ongoing exploration efforts highlight the dynamic nature of Asia's and the Middle East's energy landscape, offering insights into regional economic trends and opportunities.
Reference(s):
Egypt announces new Nile Delta gas discovery in production push
cgtn.com
