Egypt has confirmed a new natural gas discovery in the Nile Delta following the successful drilling of the Nidoco N-2 exploratory well, located in the West Abu Madi concession in the Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The field could contribute approximately 50 million cubic feet per day to national production.
The project is operated by the Italian company Eni in partnership with BP and is part of the country’s initiatives to strengthen domestic energy supply by developing reserves close to existing infrastructure.
Drilling technology allowed for cost reduction
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources explained that the well was drilled from land using advanced directional drilling technology to reach shallow-water marine reserves.
According to Minister Karim Badawi, this methodology reduced operating costs and improved the project’s technical efficiency. He also emphasized that the well’s proximity to existing facilities will facilitate a rapid connection to the production system.
The infrastructure is located less than two kilometers from the new well, which could accelerate the start of commercial operations in the coming weeks.
The of natural gas discovery strengthens gas production
Egyptian authorities believe the discovery will help sustain local demand for natural gas amid energy growth and increased industrial consumption.
The Ministry noted that the increase in production in existing fields and the new discoveries reflect a gradual recovery of exploration activity in the country.
Badawi also indicated that Egypt has significantly reduced its outstanding debts to international partners in the energy sector. According to the official, these payments have incentivized new exploration and drilling campaigns in various concession areas.
Eni and BP expand operations in the Nile Delta
The West Abu Madi concession continues to be refined as one of the areas of interest for natural gas exploration in Egypt. Eni and BP maintain active operations in the area through joint development agreements and cooperation with Egyptian state entities.
The discovery of the Nidoco N-2 well adds to other projects aimed at optimizing the use of existing infrastructure and accelerating the incorporation of new volumes of gas into the domestic market.
Furthermore, the use of directional drilling techniques from land-based platforms could become a recurring operating model for future campaigns in shallow waters of the eastern Mediterranean.
Source and photo: Sisgoveg