Italian energy giant Eni has struck gold – or rather, gas – twice off the Libyan coast, unveiling discoveries estimated to hold over one trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This find promises a significant boost to both Libyan domestic energy supplies and Italian export capabilities.
The two new gas pockets, dubbed Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3), lie approximately 85 kilometres offshore, a mere 16 kilometres south of the existing Bahr Essalam gas field, Libya’s largest offshore production hub.
Drilling operations, conducted at depths of around 650 feet by the B2-16/4 and C1-16/4 wells, tapped into the Metlaoui Formation, a known regional reservoir. Initial data suggests a high-quality reservoir, confirmed by successful well testing on the first well. The strategic proximity of BESS 2 and BESS 3 to the existing Bahr Essalam infrastructure is expected to streamline their integration into the current production network.
The Bahr Essalam field itself is located in Block NC41 of the Mediterranean Sea, about 120km northwest of Tripoli. It’s operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas (MOG), a 50-50 joint venture between Eni and Libya’s state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC). Production began in 2005, with a second phase greenlit in 2015 and yielding its first gas in July 2018.
Eni’s involvement in Libya dates back to 1959, marking them as a key international player in the nation’s energy sector. Their projected equity production for 2025 stands at approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. The company is currently progressing with three development projects, two of which are slated for commencement this year.
In related news, Eni also recently announced a gas and condensate discovery in Block CI-501 offshore Côte d’Ivoire, following drilling at the Murene South-1X well. This discovery, named Calao South, underscores the potential of the Calao channel complex.
