RIYADH: Jordan and Egypt are enhancing regional gas connectivity as their top energy officials convene to discuss potential infrastructure and supply collaborations.
The Middle Eastern nation’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, and Cairo’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, engaged in discussions on these matters during the ADIPEC 2024 conference in Abu Dhabi.
A focal point of the talks was assessing the viability of connecting Jordan’s Risha Gas Field to the Arab Gas Pipeline via a 300-km link. This proposal follows recent studies confirming commercially viable gas reserves in the Risha field.
The Arab Gas Pipeline, a regional infrastructure initiative, transports natural gas from Egypt to Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, spanning over 1,200 km. This pipeline bolsters regional connectivity and supports energy security in the Middle East.
The discussions also delved into potential gas-related projects, including expanding natural gas usage in Jordanian and Egyptian vehicles, as per a statement from Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Both ministers agreed to organize technical meetings between Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Egyptian General Petroleum Co. to advance joint oil and gas exploration efforts within Jordan. These sessions aim to foster knowledge-sharing and support Jordan’s energy development goals.
Moreover, the ministry’s statement mentioned a recent agreement between Egypt Gas Co. and Jordan’s Aqaba Development Co. This deal aims to supply natural gas to Quweira Industrial City in Aqaba, including constructing a natural gas pipeline network and infrastructure compliant with safety standards.
At the event, Badawi announced plans to release a policy paper aimed at boosting investment in Egypt’s oil and gas sector, attracting investors across oil, gas, refining, and petrochemical industries.
This announcement followed Badawi’s meeting with TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne, where they discussed the company’s upcoming exploration and production activities. Topics included TotalEnergies’ progress at the Bashrush Gas Field, its role in the Idku liquefaction plant, and its expansion into jet fuel supply and marketing.
Pouyanne also expressed interest in acquiring new exploration areas in the Mediterranean, aligning with the recent international bid round launched by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co. for oil and gas exploration.
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