TRIPOLI, Oct 20 – Italian energy group Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) have completed an offshore gas recovery project at the Bouri field in western Libya, adding capacity to capture associated gas previously burned during oil extraction and redirect it towards energy use.
The newly installed infrastructure has entered its start-up phase and connects directly to existing offshore facilities. According to reports by The Libya Observer, the installation can process up to 700 million cubic metres of gas annually.
The project is designed to reduce routine gas flaring by recovering associated natural gas produced alongside crude oil. Instead of being burned off, the captured gas can be used as fuel for power generation, increasing the amount of energy available for domestic consumption.
The partners expect the project to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
Gas recovery targets emissions and energy supply
The Bouri development addresses two priorities for Libya’s energy sector: reducing emissions associated with oil production and making greater use of gas resources to support electricity generation.
Gas flaring releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants while wasting a resource that could otherwise be used for power generation or industrial applications. Recovering associated gas allows producers to extract additional value from existing oil operations while reducing the environmental impact of production.
The new facility’s annual processing capacity of up to 700 million cubic metres could provide a significant additional source of gas for Libya’s energy system, although actual volumes will depend on operating performance and available gas production.
Captured gas is expected to supply local power stations and support regional energy needs. The project could also help facilitate exports to Europe through the Greenstream pipeline, which connects Libya’s gas infrastructure with Italy.
Bouri project complements wider offshore development
The Bouri installation builds on other gas infrastructure projects in the region, including the Sabratha compression project at the nearby Bahr Essalam field.
According to The Libya Observer, the Bouri and Sabratha projects could collectively supply approximately 1.5 billion cubic metres of gas annually once they reach their respective targets.
The combined capacity would strengthen the infrastructure available to collect, process and transport offshore gas, supporting domestic consumption while creating scope for additional export volumes.
However, the projected combined supply represents a target rather than confirmation of current production. Actual deliveries will depend on the commissioning and performance of both projects, as well as wider production and infrastructure conditions.
Libya and Eni deepen offshore investment
The Bouri project forms part of a broader investment relationship between Eni and Libya’s NOC, with both parties having pledged $4 billion each towards expanding offshore energy infrastructure.
The investments are intended to develop production capacity and improve the utilisation of Libya’s hydrocarbon resources. Gas recovery infrastructure can complement conventional exploration and production by capturing fuel that would otherwise be wasted during oil operations.
For Libya, the development offers a potential route to increase domestic gas availability for electricity generation while reducing emissions from offshore production. For Eni, it reinforces its position in the country’s energy sector and its involvement in infrastructure supporting regional gas flows.
The project’s contribution to domestic supply and European exports will depend on the volume of gas recovered and the pace at which the facility reaches its operating targets.
