Eni has announced two significant offshore gas discoveries in Libya, with estimated reserves exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet, reinforcing the country’s role as a key supplier to Europe and boosting prospects for future production.
The discoveries, confirmed on March 16, were made in two adjacent structures Bahr Essalam South 2 (BESS 2) and Bahr Essalam South 3 (BESS 3) located about 85 kilometers offshore in waters approximately 650 feet deep. According to the company, gas-bearing reservoirs were identified in both wells within the Metlaoui formation, a major producing layer in the region.
The sites lie just 16 kilometers south of the Bahr Essalam field, Libya’s largest offshore gas field, which has been in production since 2005. Their proximity to existing infrastructure means the new reserves can be rapidly developed through tie-backs to current offshore platforms, allowing for quicker integration into the production network.
Fast-track development and export potential
Eni said gas from the new discoveries will supply both the domestic Libyan market and exports to Italy, underlining Libya’s strategic importance in European energy security. The country is already a key supplier to Italy through the Greenstream pipeline, which links Libyan gas fields to southern Europe.
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The discovery comes amid Europe’s ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources and secure stable gas supplies. Libya’s geographic proximity to Italy provides a competitive advantage by reducing transport time and costs compared with more distant suppliers.
Strengthening Eni’s position in Libya
The finds mark a significant step in Eni’s renewed offshore exploration campaign and consolidate its leading role in Libya’s energy sector. The company has operated in the country since 1959 and remains its largest foreign energy operator, with net production of around 162,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2025.
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Eni operates alongside other international firms, including TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, in a sector that is gradually recovering from years of instability and underinvestment.
Through its joint venture Mellitah Oil & Gas with the National Oil Corporation (NOC), Eni plays a central role in the country’s gas production. The partnership aims to increase output to around 750 million cubic feet per day by 2026, supporting Libya’s ambition to strengthen its position as a reliable energy exporter.
In February, Eni also secured a new offshore exploration license covering nearly 29,000 square kilometers in the extension of the Sirte Basin, a prolific hydrocarbon region with significant untapped potential.
Rising importance in European supply chains
Libya’s growing output is already reshaping regional trade dynamics. In 2025, the country became Italy’s largest crude oil supplier, delivering 13.4 million tonnes—nearly a quarter of Italy’s total imports—ahead of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Iraq.
The new gas discoveries are expected to further enhance Libya’s role in Italy’s energy mix, particularly as demand for relatively lower-carbon fuels such as natural gas remains strong during the energy transition.
Part of a broader African strategy
The announcement also aligns with Eni’s wider strategy in Africa, which combines exploration, production expansion, and portfolio optimization. The company continues to invest in key assets across the continent while forming strategic partnerships to maximize value.
By leveraging existing infrastructure and accelerating development timelines, the latest discoveries in Libya could quickly translate into increased supply for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Overall, the find underscores Libya’s continued importance in global energy markets and highlights the role of international operators in unlocking the country’s hydrocarbon potential.
Italian energy major Eni has announced two new offshore gas discoveries in Libya, with estimated reserves exceeding 1 trillion cubic feet (Tcf). The finds were made in the Metlaoui formation, a key producing zone in the Mediterranean, with tests confirming strong reservoir quality and productivity.
Strategic context
- The discoveries are located near the Bahr Essalam field, one of Libya’s main offshore gas hubs, allowing potential fast-track development using existing infrastructure.
- Libya already exports gas to Europe via the Greenstream pipeline, which connects Libyan fields to Italy with capacity of about 11 billion cubic metres annually.
Europe’s energy diversification push
- The discovery comes as Europe intensifies efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas and diversify supply sources following geopolitical disruptions.
- North Africa—especially Libya, Algeria, and Egypt—has become a strategic alternative supplier due to proximity and existing pipeline links.
Libya’s energy sector revival
- Libya holds roughly 80 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, but output has been constrained by political instability since 2011.
- Recent developments signal a rebound:
- New licensing rounds have attracted global players including Eni and QatarEnergy.
- A major $8 billion gas development deal aims to boost offshore production and exports.
- The country targets increased gas exports to Europe by the early 2030s.
Implications
- The new discovery strengthens Libya’s position as a key Mediterranean gas supplier.
- It could support incremental supply to Europe, particularly Italy, though actual impact will depend on:
- infrastructure reliability (e.g., pipeline stability),
- investment pace,
- and Libya’s political/security environment.
