Italian major Eni and Algerian state oil company Sonatrach have announced the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves in the Sif Fatima II concession, located in the Berkine North Basin in the Algerian desert.
The Rhourde Oulad Djemaa Ouest-1 (RODW-1) exploration well – the third of five wells set to be drilled by Eni and Sonatrach in the concession – is part of a wider campaign aimed at accelerating upstream activities in the north African country to meet growing demand both domestically and in Europe.
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The well produced 1,300 barrels of oil per day (bpd) and two million standard cubic feet of associated gas per day during the production test.
The proximity of the RODW-1 discovery to previous discoveries and existing facilities in the basin including the Zemlet el Arbi, which was made by Eni and Sonatrach in March 2022, will enable Eni and Sonatrach to fast-track development whilst reducing associated expenses.
While Eni is currently producing up to 100,000 bbl/day of oil, discoveries such as RODW-1 and increased investments in exploration in Algeria will enable the major to boost its output in the market.
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Deals such those signed with American firm Oxy, TotalEnergies and Sonatrach in mid-July to accelerate investments in blocks 404 and 208 in the Berkine Basin will enable the Italian major to expand production in Algeria whilst an agreement to boost exportation via the TransMed / Enrico Mattei pipeline will enhance energy ties between Algeria and Europe.
