Egypt is strengthening its energy potential with discovery of four new exploration wells in the Western Desert, adding 4,500 barrels of crude oil and 2.6 million cubic feet of gas to national daily production. The announcement was made on Saturday, January 10 by the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum, which welcomes a significant advance in the strategy for relaunching exploration.

These discoveries are the result of the joint efforts of Khalda Petroleum, Tharwa Petroleum and Burj Al Arab Petroleum companies, all active in key areas of the western basin. They are part of a dynamic aimed at increasing the local supply of hydrocarbons and reducing the dependence on energy imports.

Tharwa Petroleum, a wholly-owned company by the Egyptian State, has made a promising discovery thanks to the EAS well Z-3, drilled in the Abu Sannan East area. This well has an initial flow rate of 1 500 barrels of oil per day. Production trials are in progress finalization, before a more accurate assessment of the additional reserves.

For its part, Khalda Petroleum, a joint venture between Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the American Apache Corporation, a announced two new discoveries in the Matrouh Development Zone. The SULTAN S-1X RC and ALEX NW-1X wells generate more combined production 1,500 barrels of crude oil and approximately 1.7 million cubic feet of gas per day.

In addition, the Burj El Arab Petroleum company has recorded additional success with the AS Z-2X well, also located in the Abu Sannan region. Tests revealed a flow rate of 1,305 barrels of oil per day, accompanied by 0.9 million cubic feet of gas. Les operations to connect to the existing production infrastructure are currently in progress.

According to the Ministry of Petroleum, these new discoveries reflect the desire of the authorities to intensify exploration activities in order to maximize domestic production and contain the costs associated with energy imports. They are part of a wider strategy of revitalization of the sector.