Reported by: A.Ghzwani, Saudi Arabia
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Drives Jafurah Shale Gas ⚡ Major Energy Initiative | Vision 2030🚀
Aerial view of the Jafurah Shale Gas Field. (Saudi Aramco)
Saudi Aramco is moving forward with one of its largest energy projects ever: unlocking the potential of the Jafurah shale gas field, the biggest in the Middle East. This initiative is a key part of the Kingdom’s plan to diversify its energy resources and significantly increase domestic gas production for industrial and power generation needs.
Project Overview
Located in the Eastern Province’s Jafurah Basin, spanning around 17,000 square kilometers, the project is a cornerstone of Aramco’s transformation. The first stage of the Jafurah development is scheduled to finish in 2025, after which gas output is projected to rise steadily, reaching around 2 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030, along with significant production of ethane, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and condensates to support industrial and energy demands.
Financial Highlights
Speaking during the company’s second-quarter earnings announcement, Aramco CEO Amin Nasser confirmed that development at the Jafurah Gas Plant remains on track. For the quarter, the company reported net earnings of $24.5 billion, a decrease from $29.07 billion recorded in the same period last year. Analysts expect the Jafurah project to boost Saudi Arabia’s economy by an estimated $23 billion every year.
Global Partnerships
Experts, including former Saudi oil ministry adviser Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabban, highlight the field's unconventional gas reserves and the potential for international technological partnerships. Saudi Arabia’s expansion in oil, gas, and renewable energy investments positions the Kingdom as a comprehensive energy provider.
Decarbonization & Industrial Integration
The project supports Aramco’s net-zero emissions target by 2050 and provides high-value feedstock for refining, processing, and petrochemicals. Due to the basin's low permeability and porosity, advanced horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing are used to extract gas from the Tuwaiq Mountain formations.
Billion-Dollar Contracts & Innovations
More than $10 billion in contracts have been awarded for the initial phase, covering gas processing facilities, NGL fractionation plants, compression networks, and approximately 1,500 kilometers of pipelines. Mobile drilling rigs and advanced fracking practices allow wells to be completed faster and more efficiently.
Energy Security & Production Outlook
Jafurah is expected to offset 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil used for domestic power generation. By 2030, production may reach 420 million scfd of ethane and 630,000 barrels per day of NGLs and condensates, complementing Aramco’s low-carbon hydrogen and blue ammonia initiatives.
Economic & Job Impact
Saudi Arabia: Supports Vision 2030, strengthens GDP, and boosts domestic energy security.
Global Workforce: Provides jobs for professionals from India and other countries, fostering skills development and technology transfer.
Long-Term Skills: Training programs ensure sustainable benefits and high-quality industrial experience.
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