Eni Nears Production at Meleiha Phase 2 in Egypt

SUBSCRIBE SEARCH ARTICLES NEWS The Italian company launched start-up procedures at Meleiha phase 2, designed to process up to 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, on Egypt's side of the Sahara Desert. Image by murat4art via iStock

Eni SpA said Tuesday it had launched start-up procedures at Meleiha phase 2, designed to process up to 100 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, on Egypt's side of the Sahara Desert.

"The project represents a key milestone in the development of a new gas hub within the Merged Meleiha concession and will significantly increase the gas processing capacity for production from the area's fields, supporting the growth of domestic gas output and the valorization of Egypt's energy resources", the Italian state-backed company said in a press release.

Meleiha phase 2 comprises development wells, gathering systems, trunklines and a new dedicated export pipeline. "These facilities will ensure the connection of new production to Egypt's existing gas infrastructure, enabling the rapid monetization of resources and enhanced operational efficiency", Eni said.

"The launch of the project confirms Eni's role as a strategic partner of Egypt and reaffirms the company's long-standing commitment to contributing to the country's energy security through the development and valorization of the Western Desert's diversified resource base, one of the most promising areas of Egypt's energy sector".

Eni said it is the North African country's "leading energy producer", with hydrocarbon production of about 242,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed) on an equity basis last year.

Merged Meleiha consists of Meleiha and Meleiha Deep, combined in 2021. Under the agreement signed by Eni and the government, the merged concession lasts through 2036 with a potential extension to 2041.

The agreement, as announced by Eni June 15, 2021, assigned operatorship and 76 percent of ownership to the 50:50 venture between Eni and state-owned Egyptian General Petroleum Corp, Agiba Petroleum Co. Russia's PJSC Lukoil owns 24 percent.

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In neighboring Libya, Eni said Monday it had also begun start-up activities at the Bouri Gas Utilization Project, which enables the recovery of gas otherwise flared in the Bouri field in the Mediterranean Sea.

"It represents one of the most significant emissions reduction initiatives in Libya's energy sector and will contribute to improving the environmental performance of the country's production system by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year", Eni said.

"The recovered gas will be supplied to the domestic market, providing an incremental production of approximately 700 million standard cubic meters [about 24.7 billion cubic feet] per year, helping meet demand from the power generation sector.

"The project will also support additional gas volumes available for export to Europe through the GreenStream pipeline".

Eni added, "Other strategic developments are currently underway in Libya, including the A&E Structures Project, focused on bringing new offshore gas resources on stream for both the domestic market and exports, as well as initiatives aimed at upgrading and optimizing gas production and transportation infrastructures".

Eni said it is Libya's "leading international energy operator". The country contributed around 162,000 boed to Eni's equity production in 2025, according to the company.

Eni operates Bouri with a 30 percent stake. Libya's National Oil Corp owns 70 percent.

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