Saudi Arabia is a major gas power: Production begins at the giant Jafurah field
Saudi Arabia is steadily moving towards establishing itself as a major player in the global energy sector, not only as the world's largest oil exporter but also as a key player in the natural gas . This comes with the announcement of the start of production at Jafurah field , a cornerstone of Saudi Aramco's strategy to diversify its energy resources and exploit unconventional reserves.
The strategic importance of the Jafurah field
The Jafurah field is the largest unconventional (shale gas) field in the Kingdom, with official estimates indicating it contains enormous reserves of up to 229 trillion cubic feet of raw gas, in addition to 75 billion barrels of condensate. This discovery not only boosts the Kingdom's reserves but also places it among the leading countries in shale gas extraction technologies, benefiting from technological advancements spearheaded by the United States and China in this field.
Advanced technology to boost production
Energy experts have confirmed that the secret behind this qualitative leap lies in Saudi Aramco's of the latest drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies. The company utilizes giant "mobile platforms," an advanced technology that allows drilling rigs to be moved efficiently between sites without dismantling, thus accelerating production operations and reducing costs. This approach is remarkably similar to the revolution that made the United States the world's largest oil and gas producer over the past decade.
Economic impact and Vision 2030
The impact of the Jafurah field extends beyond the purely technical realm, reaching the very core of the Saudi economy within the framework of Vision 2030. The field is expected to contribute at least $100 billion annually to the GDP. More importantly, the Saudi strategy aims to eliminate the burning of petroleum liquids for electricity generation, replacing them with cleaner natural gas. This move will enable the Kingdom to free up approximately one million barrels of crude oil per day—previously consumed domestically—for export, thereby maximizing the country's financial returns.
The future of clean energy
In addition to its economic benefits, the Jafurah project supports Saudi Arabia's ambitions in sustainability and blue hydrogen production, as natural gas is a key transitional fuel in the world's journey toward clean energy. Upon completion of the field's development phases, the Kingdom will be able to meet growing domestic energy demand and support petrochemical industries, thereby diversifying the national economy and reducing its overall dependence on crude oil sales.
