Aramco begins production at the Jafurah field and drills to boost gas production
Saudi Aramco , the global energy giant, announced the Jafurah field , which is the largest unconventional gas field in the Middle East region, in addition to the start of operations at the Tanajib gas plant, which is ranked as one of the largest gas processing plants in the world.
This announcement marks a pivotal turning point in the company's strategy to enhance Saudi Arabia's position as one of the world's leading gas producers, with Aramco aiming to increase its sales gas production capacity by up to 80% by 2030 compared to 2021 levels. Total production is planned to reach approximately 6 million barrels of oil equivalent per day of gas and associated liquids, reflecting the massive investments the company is making in this vital sector.
The strategic and economic importance of the Jafurah field
The Jafurah field holds exceptional importance that extends far beyond simply increasing production figures; it represents a cornerstone of the Kingdom's program to replace liquid fuels with gas in electricity generation and water desalination. This transformation will enable the Kingdom to free up vast quantities of crude oil that were previously burned domestically, redirecting them towards export or high-value-added downstream industries, thereby boosting national economic returns.
Furthermore, the development of unconventional gas resources (shale gas) in Jafurah is a technologically advanced step that underscores Aramco’s leadership in complex drilling and production technologies. The field is expected to provide the necessary feedstock for the growing petrochemical sector and support the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a global leader in blue hydrogen production, which aligns perfectly with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and energy sources.
Cash flow forecasts and future growth
In the context of the financial impact, the company statement explained that this well-considered expansion is expected to generate additional cash flows from operating activities ranging from $12 billion to $15 billion annually by 2030, depending on future demand growth and market prices for liquids and gas, thus strengthening the company’s strong financial position and ensuring the sustainability of dividend distributions and investment growth.
Executive Leadership Statements
Commenting on the event, Amin Nasser : “We are proud to have started production at the Jafurah field and to have begun operations at the Tanajib gas plant. These are major achievements for Aramco and for the future of energy in the Kingdom.”
Al-Nasser added, emphasizing the pivotal role of these projects: “Our ambitious gas program is expected to become one of the main sources of profitability. These mega-projects also contribute to meeting the growing domestic demand for gas, which supports manufacturing and development in a number of key sectors, in addition to producing large quantities of high-value liquids.”.
Al-Nasser concluded his remarks by expressing his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the wise leadership, praising the continued support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the follow-up of the Ministry of Energy, stressing that this support was the main driver for achieving these accomplishments, which directly contribute to achieving the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
