Jordan and Egypt enhance regional gas connectivity, expand infrastructure, and explore joint energy projects at ADIPEC 2024

Jordan and Egypt are taking significant steps to improve regional energy connectivity as top officials from both countries discuss strategic partnerships at the ADIPEC 2024 conference in Abu Dhabi. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Karim Badawi, Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, held talks focused on advancing regional gas infrastructure and creating a stronger energy network through the Arab Gas Pipeline.

A central topic of their discussions was the feasibility of connecting Jordan’s Risha Gas Field to the Arab Gas Pipeline with a 300-km link. This potential connection aims to support regional energy needs by adding Jordan’s gas reserves to the pipeline, which currently spans over 1,200 km and transports natural gas from Egypt to Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Recent studies found commercially viable gas reserves in the Risha field, and this expansion would further strengthen the pipeline’s role in enhancing energy security across the Middle East.

In addition to infrastructure plans, both ministers explored the potential for cooperative projects, including initiatives to promote the use of natural gas in transportation in both Jordan and Egypt. A statement from Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced that the two nations would organize technical meetings between Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and the Egyptian General Petroleum Co. to move forward with joint oil and gas exploration within Jordan. These sessions will promote knowledge-sharing and help advance Jordan’s long-term energy ambitions.

The talks also highlighted an agreement signed between Egypt Gas Co. and Jordan’s Aqaba Development Co. to supply natural gas to the Quweira Industrial City in Aqaba. This deal, which includes the development of a Jordan-Egypt gas pipeline, aims to enhance the region’s energy infrastructure. The construction of the pipeline network will service the industrial area and meet regulatory safety standards to ensure sustainable energy delivery.

During the conference, Badawi also introduced a new policy initiative aimed at increasing investment in Egypt’s oil and gas sector. The policy paper will invite investors to engage with Egypt’s oil, gas, refining, and petrochemical industries, with the goal of expanding the nation’s energy infrastructure and capabilities. 

Badawi met with Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of TotalEnergies, to discuss the company’s ongoing projects and plans for future exploration. Pouyanne shared updates on TotalEnergies’ activities in the Bashrush Gas Field and its involvement in the Idku liquefaction plant, where the company plans to increase output. TotalEnergies is also expanding its presence in jet fuel supply and marketing in the region. Additionally, Pouyanne expressed interest in acquiring new exploration areas in the Mediterranean, aligning with a recent international bid round launched by the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Co. for oil and gas exploration.