Egypt is aggressively pursuing a dual-track energy strategy to enhance its natural gas production and solidify its status as a key gas export hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Ministry of Petroleum aims to add 120 million cubic feet of natural gas per day by the end of June through the development of nine new wells. This initiative is backed by approximately 0 million in investment and is part of efforts to address declining domestic production and rising energy demand.
Egypt’s Ambitious Natural Gas Production Goals
Egypt’s strategy includes contributions from major international players. U.S.-based Apache Corporation is set to connect three new wells in the Jumana field, adding an estimated 45 million cubic feet per day. Italy’s Eni is expected to contribute around 40 million cubic feet per day from the Nidoco-2 deepwater well, while UK’s Cairn Petroleum plans to add 20 million cubic feet per day from the Badr-15 well.
Additionally, onshore developments by UAE-based Dana Gas, UK’s Capricorn Energy, and Tunisia’s HBS are projected to contribute a further 15 million cubic feet per day. These efforts are crucial as Egypt seeks to reverse a decline in gas production that has fallen below four billion cubic feet per day.
Egypt: Key figures on natural gas production
- 120 million cubic feet per day
- Approximately 0 million
- 45 million cubic feet per day
- 40 million cubic feet per day
- 20 million cubic feet per day
- 15 million cubic feet per day
- 4 billion cubic feet per day
- 100 million cubic feet per month
- 9 billion cubic feet per day
- 2 billion cubic feet per day
- 1.9 billion cubic feet per day
- 2.5 trillion cubic feet
- 500 million cubic feet per day
- 1.3 billion cubic feet per day
- 6.6 billion cubic feet per day
- 2027
- 2030
Strengthening Regional Gas Partnerships
As part of its strategy, Egypt is deepening its role as a regional gas transit and liquefaction center. Agreements with Cyprus involve transporting gas from the Pegasus and Glaucus offshore fields to Egyptian facilities for processing and re-export. This collaboration is expected to enhance Egypt’s infrastructure capabilities and its competitive edge in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Egypt’s existing gas transmission network can handle around nine billion cubic feet per day, with surplus processing capacity exceeding two billion cubic feet daily. This infrastructure positions Egypt as a vital link for gas flows to European and global markets, especially as Europe seeks to diversify its energy sources.
Upcoming Developments in Egypt’s Energy Sector
- Completion of nine new wells by the end of June
- Connection of new wells by Apache Corporation, Eni, and Cairn Petroleum
- Increased gas production to 6.6 billion cubic feet per day in the coming years
- Plans to transport gas from Cyprus by 2030
- Return to net gas exports by 2027
Egypt is positioning itself as a major player in the Eastern Mediterranean energy landscape, aiming for increased production and export capabilities.
