Egypt is seeking to maximize the economic value of its natural gas infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional energy hub, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said during an inspection visit to the Idku Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Complex in Beheira Governorate.
The visit formed part of a broader tour of Egypt's energy assets, following inspections of natural gas production facilities in the West Delta Deep Marine concession operated by Rashid Petroleum Company.
Speaking during the tour, Madbouly emphasized that Egypt possesses a unique combination of competitive advantages, including advanced LNG liquefaction facilities, a sophisticated national gas transmission network, and a strategic geographic location linking production centers with international markets.
“These capabilities enable Egypt to generate greater value from its natural gas resources and maximize the economic returns from existing infrastructure,” the prime minister said.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi described the Idku LNG Complex as one of Egypt's most important strategic energy assets and a cornerstone of the country's gas infrastructure.
According to Badawi, the facility represents a successful model of cooperation between the Egyptian state and international energy partners while supporting Egypt's long-term objective of becoming a regional center for energy trade and distribution.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to optimize the use of Egypt's LNG infrastructure and enhance returns for both the state and its investment partners.
Badawi also pointed to growing cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and international investors in developing cross-border gas projects.
The partnership focuses on transporting and processing Cypriot natural gas through Egyptian infrastructure before liquefying and re-exporting it to European and global markets.
He noted that preparations are advancing steadily, with the first volumes of gas from Cyprus's Cronos field expected to arrive in Egypt in 2028.
The project is expected to create mutual economic benefits for all participating countries and reinforce Egypt's role as a critical energy gateway connecting Eastern Mediterranean gas resources with international consumers.
During the visit, Mohamed Salah El-Bahensi, Chairman of the Egyptian LNG Company (ELNG), briefed officials on the facility's capabilities and operational performance.
The Idku complex consists of two LNG production trains, each with an annual capacity of 3.6 million metric tons, bringing total production capacity to 7.2 million metric tons per year.
Madbouly also toured the facility's central control room, reviewed operational systems and safety procedures, and met with employees responsible for managing daily operations.
The Idku LNG Complex operates through a partnership between Egypt's petroleum sector, represented by the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), and several leading international energy companies.
Its shareholders include Shell, Petronas, and TotalEnergies, reflecting continued foreign investment interest in Egypt's energy sector despite ongoing volatility in global energy markets.
Follow the latest news on Google News
