Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reported about 200 billion cubic feet of gas in place at offshore well Nasim-1X, with more studies needed before its potential contribution to domestic supply is known.
The ministry’s Nov. 6 announcement placed the well in the Tiba Concession in the Mediterranean Sea. It reported about 15 meters of net gas pay, measured at true vertical depth. The 200-billion-cubic-foot figure is an estimate of gas in the reservoir, not a confirmed recoverable reserve.
Eni operates the concession with Woodside as a partner, and Petrobel drilled the well for them, the ministry said. Woodside’s third-quarter report lists Nasim-1X in its Tiba license, says drilling began Aug. 25 and was ongoing during the quarter ending Sept. 30, and reports a 40% non-operated interest.
The ministry plans a roughly 22-kilometer line to connect the well with the Abu Madi–El Gamil pipeline and existing production facilities. It says the proposed tie-in is intended to make use of existing infrastructure, shorten development time and support Egypt’s domestic natural gas production. The ministry’s pipeline proposal was covered in earlier EconoTimes reporting on the Nasim-1X connection.
The ministry placed the find amid increased exploration activity. It said improved investment conditions and the settlement of investment partners’ dues encourage further investment and exploration.
Further technical and reservoir studies will assess recoverable reserves and production potential before a development and production plan is prepared. The ministry gave no timetable for the studies or a production decision.
