Prime Minister Highlights Egypt’s Promising Potential in Natural Gas Liquefaction

Visit of Prime Minister to the Idku Gas Complex.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister of Egypt, along with his delegation, inspected several sites and facilities at the Idku liquefied natural gas complex, operated by the Egyptian Liquefied Natural Gas Company (ELNG).

This visit took place during his tour in Beheira Governorate, following an inspection of natural gas production sites in the deep West Delta area managed by Rashid Petroleum Company.

During the tour, the Prime Minister emphasized that Egypt possesses promising capabilities in the field of natural gas liquefaction and has a developed national network for gas transportation. He highlighted Egypt’s advantageous geographical position, which connects production areas with global markets, providing unique competitive advantages. He noted that these factors allow for added value from natural gas resources and maximize economic returns from existing infrastructure.

Engineer Karim Badawy, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, stated that the Idku LNG complex is one of Egypt’s most important strategic assets and unique infrastructure in the natural gas sector. He added that the complex exemplifies successful partnerships and integration between the government and its international partners, demonstrating Egypt’s ability to maximize economic value from its strategic assets as part of its plans to become a “regional hub for energy trade and exchange.” He also pointed out ongoing efforts to optimize these assets for the benefit of both the state and its partners.

In this context, Engineer Badawy mentioned the collaboration between Egypt and Cyprus along with investment partners, noting significant progress particularly in executing projects for transporting and processing Cypriot gas through Egyptian infrastructure, paving the way for liquefaction and re-export to European and global markets. He highlighted that initial quantities of Cypriot gas from the Kronos field are expected to arrive in Egypt by 2028.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Shell Global and Petronas Malaysia for their continued commitment to investing in Egypt, commending the efforts of employees at ELNG for managing and operating the complex according to high standards of efficiency and safety.

During his visit, Prime Minister Madbouly received a briefing from Engineer Mohamed Salah El-Bahensy, head of ELNG, about the capabilities and advanced infrastructure of the complex. It was noted that it comprises two LNG production units with a capacity of 3.6 million tons annually per unit, totaling an annual production capacity of 7.2 million tons.

The Prime Minister also toured the main control room of the complex, met with work teams, reviewed operational systems as well as safety procedures and operational efficiency measures. Additionally, he inspected several facilities within the complex. It was mentioned that this facility operates as a successful partnership between Egypt’s petroleum sector represented by the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and EGAS (Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company), along with international partners such as Shell Global, Petronas Malaysia, and TotalEnergies France.

In conclusion, a commemorative photo was taken with the Prime Minister alongside team members, officials from the complex, and representatives from international partners, wishing them continued success and excellence in achieving further accomplishments in this vital sector.