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Eni announces natural gas discovery in the Nile Delta at Nidoco N-2 well with 50 million cubic feet per day
On May 2, 2026, the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced a new discovery of natural gas in the Nile Delta.
As reported by Daily News Egypt, the Nidoco N-2 well will inject 50 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) into the Egyptian system.
The well is located in the West Abu Madi concession, in the Kafr El-Sheikh governorate.
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The operator is the Italian company Eni in partnership with the British BP and the Egyptian state-owned EGPC, through Petrobel.
According to the ministry, the drilling was conducted by the EDC-56 rig.
The geological target is in shallow waters about 10 meters deep, approximately 3 kilometers from the coast.
Nidoco N-2 connects to existing facilities in less than 2 kilometers
The great advantage of the Nidoco N-2 well is its proximity to existing infrastructure. According to official data, it is less than 2 kilometers from Petrobel’s production facilities.
In other words, the connection to the Egyptian national grid can occur in a short time. Consequently, commercial production should begin quickly after final tests.
In fact, the schedule reduces the investment return time. At that moment, Eni avoids the high cost of new long submarine lines.
Eni, BP, and EGPC form Petrobel consortium in the West Abu Madi concession
The West Abu Madi concession belongs to Petrobel, a joint venture between EGPC and Eni.
Compared to other Egyptian areas, the region has accumulated multiple gas discoveries since the 2000s.
On the other hand, the Italian Eni also operates the Zohr megafield, discovered in 2015.
It is the largest natural gas reserve in the Mediterranean, estimated at 30 trillion cubic feet.
Similarly, BP participates as a partner in the exploration and has its own operations in the region.
Therefore, the Nile Delta has become a strategic hub for the British state-owned company in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Directional onshore drilling reaches offshore target and cuts operational costs
The drilling of the Nidoco N-2 well used advanced directional techniques. According to project details, the EDC-56 rig started from an onshore platform and reached the offshore reservoir.
In other words, the operation avoids the assembly of a complete floating platform. Consequently, it reduces operational costs and accelerates the project’s schedule.
According to Offshore Energy, directional drilling is an international standard for shallow water fields.
Similarly, Petrobras adopts a similar technique in shallow waters in Brazil.
- Expected production: 50 million cubic feet/day
- Concession: West Abu Madi (Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt)
- Operators: Eni + BP + EGPC (Petrobel joint)
- Rig: EDC-56 (directional drilling)
- Sea depth: ~10 meters
- Distance from facilities: less than 2 km
Cairo bets on new discoveries to reverse production decline since 2023
Egypt experienced an energy deficit between 2022 and 2024. According to official data, the country went from being an exporter to a net importer of gas in 2024.
On the other hand, new discoveries have accelerated the recomposition of production. In other words, the declared goal is to resume LNG exports by 2027.
In fact, the strategy combines partnerships with international majors and direct state investment. At that moment, Eni positions itself as Egypt’s preferred partner in gas discovery and production.
Brazil has natural gas in pre-salt but depends on imports in other regions
Brazil produces natural gas mainly in the Santos pre-salt fields. According to ANP data, the country reached 154 million m³ daily in 2024.
Compared to Egypt, Brazil has larger reserves but a different geographical distribution.
Other recent global discoveries include the seizure of the Ocean Koi tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, which affects international flow.
On the other hand, Brazilian imports of Bolivian gas remain contracted until 2030. Similarly, the North of Brazil still depends on diesel or oil-fired power plants.
Eastern Mediterranean consolidates as a global natural gas hub
The Eastern Mediterranean hosts giants of natural gas.
According to international data, the Egyptian Zohr, the Israeli Leviathan, and the Cypriot Aphrodite together have reserves of over 50 trillion cubic feet.
Compared to Qatar or the United States, the Eastern Mediterranean still exports a smaller volume. Consequently, new LNG infrastructure and pipelines are advancing rapidly.
According to Eni, the company’s strategy combines small-fast discoveries (like Nidoco N-2) with long-term megafields.
Therefore, it maintains stable production regardless of whether new megafields emerge or not.
Next steps: Petrobel to drill 4 more exploratory wells in the Nile Delta
Petrobel announced a plan for 4 more exploratory wells in the Nile Delta.
Subsequently, the drilling of new targets around Nidoco N-2 should advance by the end of 2026.
According to the Egyptian Ministry, the goal is to add at least 200 million cubic feet daily to the system by 2027.
Similarly, Eni is evaluating new prospects in partnership with BP.
Other major global energy projects include the lost temple in Saqqara, recently revealed in another Egyptian context. At that moment, the country combines historical heritage with modern energy infrastructure.
There are recognized limitations. Regional conflicts such as the war in Gaza affect logistics and investments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
As the sector points out, geopolitical risks restrict the pace of new explorations in international waters.
Compared to the Israeli Levant Basin, Egypt has a higher risk profile but is still attractive to European majors.
Similarly, the World Bank monitors Cairo’s financial exposure. At that moment, the stability of the contract with Eni serves as a reference for future licensing.
According to analysts, Nile Delta gas should sustain the Egyptian matrix for the next 15 years.
Consequently, the country plans to modernize the national distribution network by 2030.
As the sector points out, geopolitical risks restrict the pace of new explorations in international waters.
Will Eni be able to maintain the pace of discoveries that supports Egypt’s strategy to regain the status of a net natural gas exporter by 2027?
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