Eni’s Drilling Resumption at the Zohr Gas Field: A Pivotal Moment for Egypt’s Energy Strategy

Eni’s plans to resume drilling activities at the Zohr gas field offshore Egypt, with the arrival of the Saipem 10000 drillship, mark a pivotal moment in the country’s energy strategy. This initiative aims to boost production to 220 million cubic feet of gas per day, aligning with Egypt’s goal of becoming a major gas exporter and reversing recent production declines. The Zohr field, discovered in 2015, is a supergiant gas field containing 480 million barrels of oil equivalent, classified as the largest ever discovered in the Mediterranean.

Introduction to Eni and the Zohr Gas Field

Eni has been a pivotal player in Egypt’s energy sector, playing a fundamental role in ensuring access to electricity and contributing to the Sustainable Development Goal 7 (affordable and clean energy) ENI IN EGYPT. Eni’s involvement in Egypt’s energy sector is underscored by its strategic partnership with the country, which has been praised for its unwavering support and contributions Egypt’s Petroleum Minister, Eni discuss enhanced energy cooperation.

The Zohr gas field, discovered in 2015, has been a cornerstone of Eni’s operations in Egypt. This significant finding has allowed Egypt to become a major player in the Mediterranean gas market. The field’s discovery marked a turning point, as it was classified as a supergiant gas field, containing an estimated 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas Egypt and Italy’s Eni discuss establishing $150 mln LNG import. This classification underscores its importance, making it one of the largest gas fields ever discovered in the Mediterranean region.

The timeline of key events for the Zohr gas field includes its discovery in 2015, followed by extensive development efforts. These efforts have been crucial in transforming the Zohr field into a major contributor to Egypt’s energy landscape. The field’s development has been a strategic priority, with Eni playing a leading role in this process. The recent resumption of drilling activities at the Zohr field in January 2025 is a testament to Eni’s commitment to boosting Egypt’s gas production. This resumption is part of a broader plan to return Egypt’s gas production to pre-crisis levels by June 2025 Eni To Drill New Wells at Egypt’s Deepwater Zohr Gas Field. This initiative is a significant step forward in Egypt’s energy strategy, highlighting Eni’s role as a key partner in achieving this goal.

The Zohr Gas Field: A Supergiant in the Mediterranean

The Zohr Gas Field, located in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Egypt, is a geological marvel that has redefined the energy landscape of the region. Discovered in 2015, it stands as the largest natural gas field ever found in the Mediterranean, holding significant implications for Egypt’s energy security and the broader Middle East.

Geological and Geographical Context

The Zohr Gas Field is situated in the western Mediterranean Sea, approximately 150 kilometers off the coast of Egypt. Geologically, it is part of the Western Desert Basin, a sedimentary basin that extends from the Nile Delta to the Libyan border. This basin is characterized by a thick sequence of sedimentary rocks, including limestone, dolomite, and evaporites, which have been subjected to intense tectonic activity over millions of years. The Zohr field is situated in a region of high seismic activity, with a complex fault system that has facilitated the trapping of natural gas.

The field’s discovery was made possible by advanced seismic surveys and drilling technologies. The initial exploration efforts were led by Eni, the Italian energy giant, which has been a pivotal player in Egypt’s energy sector since the field’s discovery. Eni’s role has been crucial in navigating the complex regulatory environment and ensuring the field’s sustainable development. The field’s geographical location, close to Egypt’s coastline, has facilitated easy access for drilling and infrastructure development.

Production History

The Zohr Gas Field’s production history is marked by significant milestones. Since its discovery in 2015, the field has undergone extensive development to optimize gas extraction. Eni has played a leading role in this development, investing heavily in drilling new wells and enhancing existing infrastructure. The field’s initial production capacity was modest, but it has seen steady growth over the years. In recent years, Eni has been focusing on increasing production rates to meet Egypt’s growing energy demands.

One of the key strategies employed by Eni to boost production has been the drilling of new wells. In October 2024, Eni announced plans to drill two new wells at the Zohr field. This initiative is part of a broader plan to return Egypt’s gas production back to pre-crisis levels by June 2025. The new wells are expected to significantly enhance the field’s productivity, ensuring a stable supply of natural gas to Egypt and the broader region.

Peak Performance

The Zohr Gas Field reached its peak performance in 2020, producing approximately 1.9 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually. This peak performance was a result of several factors, including advanced drilling techniques, efficient gas extraction methods, and the field’s vast reserves. The peak performance not only met Egypt’s domestic energy needs but also positioned the country as a major exporter of natural gas to the Middle East and potentially to Europe through the Arab Gas Pipeline.

However, the field’s performance has shown fluctuations since then. Factors such as equipment maintenance, regulatory changes, and market demands have influenced its output. Despite these fluctuations, the Zohr Gas Field remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s energy strategy, with Eni continuing to invest in its development to maintain and enhance its performance.

Significance as the Largest in the Mediterranean

The significance of the Zohr Gas Field lies in its size and potential. With an estimated reserve of 66 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, it is the largest natural gas field ever discovered in the Mediterranean. This vast reserve has the potential to revolutionize Egypt’s energy sector by providing a secure and sustainable source of natural gas for decades to come.

The field’s significance extends beyond Egypt’s borders. As Egypt’s natural gas production increases, it can support the development of the Arab Gas Pipeline, which aims to transport gas to the Middle East and potentially to Europe. This pipeline, when completed, will have a total length of 1,200 kilometers, connecting Egypt to key markets and enhancing regional energy security.

Comparisons with Other Major Gas Fields

Comparing the Zohr Gas Field with other major gas fields in the region provides valuable insights into its unique characteristics and potential. One of the most notable comparisons is with the offshore gas fields in the Gulf of Suez. Fields like the Zohr Gas Field are part of a larger trend of deepwater exploration in the Mediterranean, which has yielded significant discoveries in recent years.

Another comparison can be drawn with the natural gas fields in the Eastern Mediterranean, such as the Aphrodite and Leviathan fields in Israel. These fields, while smaller in size, have been crucial for Israel’s energy independence. The Zohr Gas Field, with its vast reserves, has the potential to play a similar role for Egypt, providing a stable and reliable source of natural gas.

In conclusion, the Zohr Gas Field is a supergiant in the Mediterranean, with far-reaching implications for Egypt’s energy security and the broader Middle East. Its geological and geographical context, coupled with Eni’s strategic investments, make it a cornerstone of Egypt’s energy strategy. As Egypt continues to develop the Zohr Gas Field, it is poised to become a major player in the global energy market, with the potential to export natural gas to key markets in the Middle East and beyond.

Resuming Drilling Activities at Zohr

The arrival of the Saipem 10000 drillship in Egyptian waters marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s energy sector, as Eni prepares to resume drilling activities at the Zohr gas field. This state-of-the-art drillship, equipped with advanced technology and modern techniques, is set to play a crucial role in boosting Egypt’s gas production. The objectives of the drilling resumption are multifaceted, aiming to increase the field’s productivity, explore new reserves, and enhance overall operational efficiency. The expected outcomes include a significant boost in gas production, which is key to returning Egypt’s gas output to pre-crisis levels by June 2025. This initiative is part of Eni’s broader strategy to support Egypt’s energy sector and contribute to its economic development. The technological advancements involved in these drilling activities are remarkable, utilizing cutting-edge equipment and methods to ensure precision and safety. The significance of this drilling resumption cannot be overstated, as it underscores Eni’s commitment to Egypt’s energy independence and its role as a strategic partner in the region. ENI IN EGYPT

Egypt’s Energy Strategy and the Role of the Zohr Field

Egypt’s ambition to become a major gas exporter is a cornerstone of its energy strategy. The country’s vast natural gas reserves, particularly the Zohr field, are seen as crucial for achieving this goal. The Zohr field, discovered in 2015, is a supergiant gas field located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 150 kilometers off the Egyptian coast. Its discovery has been pivotal in Egypt’s energy sector, as it has allowed the country to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on imported fuels.

Eni, an Italian energy company, has played a fundamental role in Egypt’s energy sector since the discovery of the Zohr field. Eni’s involvement has been crucial in accessing electricity, contributing to SDG7 (affordable and clean energy) and addressing the energy-poverty nexus in Egypt ENI IN EGYPT. The company’s unwavering support and contributions have been praised by Egypt’s Petroleum Minister, who underscored Eni’s pivotal role as a strategic partner in Egypt’s energy sector Egypt’s Petroleum Minister, Eni discuss enhanced energy cooperation.

However, Egypt has recently faced production declines, which have posed significant challenges to its energy strategy. These declines have been attributed to various factors, including operational issues, market fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions. The government has responded to these challenges by implementing several measures aimed at increasing production rates. Eni has highlighted plans and strategies to increase production within the framework of the petroleum sector’s plan Eni Highlights Plans, Strategies to Increase Production.

The strategic importance of the Zohr field in Egypt’s energy strategy cannot be overstated. As the largest ever-discovered gas field in the Mediterranean, the Zohr field holds immense potential for boosting Egypt’s gas production. Eni’s plan to drill new wells at the Zohr field is a key component of Egypt’s strategy to return gas production back to pre-crisis levels by June 2025 Eni To Drill New Wells at Egypt’s Deepwater Zohr Gas Field. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Egypt’s energy security and reduce its reliance on imported energy.

Eni’s role in Egypt’s energy sector has been pivotal, and the company’s plans to resume drilling activities at the Zohr field in January 2025 are a testament to its commitment to boosting production at one of the country’s most significant energy assets Eni to Resume Drilling at Egypt’s Zohr Field in January 2025. The Zohr field’s significance in Egypt’s energy strategy cannot be overstated, as it plays a crucial role in reversing production declines and enhancing energy security.

Eni’s Operations in Côte d’Ivoire: A Comparative Analysis

Eni’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire have been a cornerstone of the company’s global strategy, focusing on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The country’s strategic location in West Africa makes it a key player in Eni’s regional expansion. Eni’s activities in Côte d’Ivoire include the exploration and development of various oil and gas fields, as well as the construction and maintenance of infrastructure to support these operations. The company has invested significantly in the country, with projects aimed at enhancing its production capabilities and ensuring sustainable development. The Baleine Phase 2 project is a testament to Eni’s commitment to Côte d’Ivoire, representing a significant milestone in the company’s regional strategy. The project involves the development of a new offshore oil field, which is expected to significantly increase Côte d’Ivoire’s oil production. This initiative aligns with Eni’s broader goal of diversifying its energy portfolio and reducing its reliance on a single source of supply.

The Baleine Phase 2 project is a critical component of Eni’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire, demonstrating the company’s ability to execute large-scale projects and contribute to the country’s economic growth. By investing in Côte d’Ivoire, Eni has established a strong presence in the region, positioning itself as a reliable partner for both local and international stakeholders. The consistency and scalability of Eni’s operations in Côte d’Ivoire are evident in its ability to manage complex projects and deliver results. The company’s experience in the country has equipped it with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle future challenges and opportunities.

In comparing Eni’s strategies in Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire, it is clear that the company’s approach is consistent across its operations. Both regions benefit from Eni’s investment in infrastructure and technology, which has led to increased production and improved economic conditions. Eni’s commitment to sustainable development is also evident in its operations in Côte d’Ivoire, with a focus on minimizing environmental impact and promoting local community engagement. The company’s involvement in the Baleine Phase 2 project is a testament to its dedication to the region, as it continues to play a pivotal role in Côte d’Ivoire’s energy sector. ENI IN EGYPT

Conclusion

Eni’s drilling resumption at the Zohr gas field is a strategic move that aligns with Egypt’s ambition to become a major gas exporter. By boosting production and reversing recent declines, Egypt can secure its energy future and enhance its economic development. Eni’s involvement in both Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire demonstrates its commitment to expanding its operations in the region.

Sources

• ENI IN EGYPT
• Eni Highlights Plans, Strategies to Increase Production
• JPT – Eni To Drill New Wells at Egypt’s Deepwater Zohr Gas Field
• Daily News Egypt – Egypt’s Petroleum Minister, Eni discuss enhanced energy cooperation
• Ahram Online – Egypt and Italy’s Eni discuss establishing $150 mln LNG import
• Energy Capital & Power – Eni to Resume Drilling at Egypt’s Zohr Field in January 2025