KEY POINTS
- Eni has discovered over 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in two offshore fields in Libya.
- The proximity to existing infrastructure could enable faster and more cost-effective development.
- The discoveries are expected to boost Libya’s domestic supply and strengthen gas exports to Europe.
Italian energy giant Eni has announced two significant offshore natural gas discoveries in Libya, reinforcing the country’s position as a key supplier in the Mediterranean energy market.
The discoveries were made in adjacent structures known as Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3), located approximately 85 kilometres offshore in waters about 650 feet deep. Exploration wells identified as B2-16/4 and C1-16/4 encountered substantial gas-bearing intervals within the Metlaoui Formation, the region’s primary producing reservoir.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the two discoveries hold more than one trillion cubic feet of gas in place. Early testing has also confirmed strong reservoir quality and promising production potential, raising expectations for commercial viability.
The newly discovered gas fields are situated about 16 kilometres south of the Bahr Essalam Gas Field, Libya’s largest offshore gas-producing asset, which has been operational since 2005.
This close proximity to existing infrastructure is expected to significantly reduce development timelines and costs, as the new resources can be linked directly to current offshore facilities. This “tie-back” approach could accelerate production and bring additional gas supplies to market more quickly.
Boost for Domestic Supply and European Exports
Once developed, the new gas reserves are expected to support Libya’s domestic energy needs while also strengthening exports to Europe, particularly Italy. Libyan gas remains a crucial component of energy flows across the Mediterranean, especially as European countries seek to diversify supply sources amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
Eni has operated in Libya since 1959 and remains the country’s leading international energy company. In 2025, the firm reported equity production of approximately 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in the country.
The company is currently advancing three major development projects in Libya, two of which are expected to begin production in 2026. The latest discoveries further underscore Libya’s untapped potential and its strategic importance in global energy markets.
The new finds highlight continued exploration success in Libya and signal renewed confidence in the country’s upstream sector. As global demand for natural gas rises and supply diversification becomes increasingly critical, Libya is well-positioned to play a more prominent role in regional and international energy supply chains.
