Eni Announces Major Gas Discoveries Off the Coast of Libya

Eni has solidified its position as Libya’s primary international energy partner by announcing two significant gas discoveries, outpacing regional competitors in the race to secure Mediterranean energy supplies. The success of the recent exploration campaign underscores the company’s unique operational advantage and its long-term commitment to the Libyan energy sector, where it remains the leading producer.

Technical Success in the Metlaoui Formation
The discoveries involve two adjacent geological structures, Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3), located roughly 85 km offshore. Drilled at a water depth of approximately 650 feet, the B2-16/4 and C1-16/4 wells successfully intersected gas-bearing intervals within the Eocene-aged Metlaoui Formation. Data collected during the campaign confirms a high-quality reservoir, with the initial well test already demonstrating robust productive capacity.

Strategic Integration and Market Impact
Preliminary estimates suggest these structures hold a combined volume exceeding 1 Tcf (trillion cubic feet) of gas in place. A key differentiator for Eni in this region is the ability to leverage existing infrastructure; the proximity of these new finds to the Bahr Essalam field—Libya’s largest offshore producing asset — allows for a rapid tie-back development. This streamlined approach ensures that the gas can be quickly diverted to meet Libyan domestic demand while supporting export volumes to Italy.

Long-term Production Dominance
With a presence in Libya dating back to 1959, Eni maintains a competitive edge through its substantial equity production, which reached approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025. The company is currently managing three major development projects, with two scheduled for startup in 2026, further distancing its production capabilities from other international operators in the region.

Edited by Industrial Journalist, Romila DSilva, with AI assistance.