Egypt adds 600 mmcfd gas processing capacity at Western Desert complex

Egypt has begun on Monday trial operations at an expanded gas processing complex in the Western Desert, adding 600 million cubic feet per day (mmcfd) of capacity as it seeks to boost domestic supply and reduce imports.

Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy inspected the new facilities at the Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) complex during a field tour of production sites and drilling rigs, the ministry said.

The expansion, centred on a fourth production line known as Train D, lifts the plant’s total processing capacity to around 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd).

Badawy said the project would enable Egypt to process larger gas volumes and extract higher-value derivatives to supply petrochemical plants, supporting local industry and lowering the import bill.

He added that directing rich associated gas from discoveries to GASCO’s facilities would help maximise economic returns and accommodate future output.

GASCO Chairman Mohamed Marzouk said the new unit has already exceeded 500 mmcfd during trial runs and is expected to reach full capacity in due course.

The project was carried out by a consortium including ENPPI and Petrojet, highlighting Egypt’s ability to execute large-scale energy infrastructure projects, he added.

The Western Desert Gas Complex processes output from regional fields and the Raven field in the North Alexandria area, producing feedstock for Sidi Kerir Petrochemicals Company (SIDPEC) and Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company (ETHYDCO), as well as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and condensates.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser