The Emirati energy company Dana Gas, in collaboration with Al-Wastani Petroleum Company, has launched an ambitious new drilling programme in Egypt aimed at significantly increasing the country’s natural gas output.
The announcement was made during a field visit by Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Engineer Karim Badawi, to the site of the “Begona-2” well in the New Manzala concession area, located in Dakahlia Governorate.
This new programme involves the drilling of 11 wells, with projections of adding up to 160 billion cubic feet of natural gas to Egypt’s reserves.
Daily production is expected to rise by approximately 100 million cubic feet of gas, along with an additional 2,000 barrels of condensate.
During the site visit, Minister Badawi reviewed the progress of the drilling operations and received a briefing on recent developments.
The Begona-2 well, in particular, is seen as pivotal. As an appraisal well for the Begona development area, it targets gas reservoirs in the Abu Madi formation within the Miocene geological layer.
Preliminary estimates suggest the reservoir could hold up to 9 billion cubic feet of gas.
“This project represents a vital step in our continued efforts to bolster domestic gas production and maintain a stable supply to the national grid,” said Badawi.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging both local and international partnerships to optimise resource extraction and support the country’s growing energy demands.
The drilling initiative is part of the broader strategy of the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to develop Egypt’s onshore resources, particularly in the Nile Delta region.
It also aligns with ongoing government efforts to incentivize investment in the oil and gas sector and reinforce Egypt’s position as a regional energy hub.
Accompanying the Minister during the tour were Engineer Yass Mohamed, Executive Managing Director of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), Eng. Moataz Atef, Ministry Undersecretary for Technical Affairs, and Eng. Hazem Hafez, Chairman of Al-Wastani Petroleum Company, alongside senior officials from Dana Gas.
As the country continues to expand its energy infrastructure, projects like this are expected to play a key role in sustaining economic growth and energy security.
About The Author
