Wintershall eyes fast-track for new onshore Egypt gas discovery

Germany's Wintershall Dea is looking to accelerate first gas production from a new discovery onshore Egypt by making use of nearby infrastructure.

The operator's ED-2X exploration well hit gas in the East Damanhour (ED) block in the Nile Delta and the discovery is already a candidate for a satellite tie back to facilities at the Disouq field, just three kilometres away.

Disouq is operated by a joint venture between the German player and state-owned Egas.

Wintershall said the ED-2X discovery well hit a 43-metre thick gas reservoir, with a gas-water contact established at a depth 2627 metres.

During a production test, the well flowed at a peak rate of 15 million cubic feet per day.

Wintershall has a 40% stake in East Damanhour and is partnered by Egyptian player Cheiron Energy — also on 40% — and Croatia’s Ina with 20%.

Georg Bresser, then Germany- company's head of global exploration, said: “The East Damanhour acreage in the vicinity of our production infrastructure allows to quickly develop commercial discoveries and to make additional gas resources available.”

Sameh Sabry, who is in charge of Wintershall’s Egyptian business unit, added that “Egypt, the wider region and the world badly need additional energy resources and Wintershall Dea is doing all it can to deliver additional volumes.”