How BP and Harbour Energy are Maximizing Egypt’s Natural Gas Production with Raven Phase 2

BP has started production from the second development phase of the Raven field, a key part of the West Nile Delta (WND) project offshore Egypt.

This expansion is set to increase Egypt’s natural gas output, meeting growing energy demands and strengthening its position in the regional market.  

The project involves the subsea tieback of additional Raven infill wells to BP’s existing onshore infrastructure. BP holds an 82.75% stake, while Harbour Energy owns the remaining 17.25%.

The new wells are expected to produce approximately 220 billion cubic feet of gas and 7 million barrels of condensate.

The project was completed safely and ahead of schedule, allowing for an early production start.  

Nader Zaki, BP’s Regional President for the Middle East and North Africa, highlighted the project’s role in mitigating natural decline and maximizing existing infrastructure to meet Egypt’s domestic energy needs efficiently.

“Since January 2024, we have not stopped drilling for a single day,” Zaki stated. “The focus of the Raven Infills project has been to fight natural decline and increase production while maximizing our existing infrastructure to meet Egypt’s domestic market demand at pace.” He also emphasized BP’s commitment to investing in Egypt, facilitated by strong partnerships with the Ministry of Petroleum, EGPC, and EGAS.  

Wail Shaheen, VP of BP Egypt, noted that the safe start-up of Raven Phase 2 follows the successful completion of the El King exploration well. “These milestones reflect our ongoing dedication to meeting rising local energy needs by optimizing production from existing resources while continuing to explore new ones,” Shaheen said.  

The WND Gas Development consists of a series of gas condensate fields offshore Egypt, within the North Alexandria and West Mediterranean Deepwater concessions.

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The Raven field, the final phase of the WND project, has been in production since early 2021. Its initial phase involved the development of eight subsea wells located up to 65 km offshore, at depths of 550 to 700 meters.  

Egypt has been struggling with declining natural gas production, which hit a seven-year low in September 2024, turning the country into a net importer.

The government has been engaging international oil and gas companies to boost investments and offset the natural decline in production.  

The Raven Phase 2 project aligns with BP’s strategy to operate as a “simpler, more focused, higher-value company” by maximizing production from existing assets and improving resource efficiency.

This approach enhances Egypt’s energy security while reducing the environmental impact compared to developing new sites.

The increased gas supply from the Raven field will be fed into Egypt’s national gas grid, helping to meet rising energy needs and reduce dependence on imports.

The WND project is expected to produce up to 1.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, accounting for around 25% of Egypt’s current gas production.  

Beyond energy production, BP’s activities in Egypt contribute to technology transfer, workforce training, and social investment programs, supporting local capabilities and sustainable development.

The Raven Phase 2 project represents a key step in Egypt’s efforts to secure its energy future and reinforce its role as a major player in the regional energy market.

Through continued investment and optimization of resources, BP remains a crucial partner in supporting Egypt’s energy sector and economic growth.