Saudi Aramco Unveils 14 New Oil and Gas Discoveries: Bolstering Kingdom’s Energy Leadership
In a major development for the Kingdom’s energy sector, Saudi Aramco has announced the discovery of 14 new oil and natural gas fields and reservoirs, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global energy powerhouse.
Major Saudi Aramco Oil Discovery Announced by Energy Minister
RIYADH — Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced on Wednesday that Saudi Aramco has discovered 14 Arabian oil and natural gas fields and reservoirs in the Eastern Province and the Empty Quarter. The discoveries include six fields and two reservoirs of Arabian oil, as well as two fields and four reservoirs of natural gas.
The minister extended his congratulations to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on these discoveries, expressing his wishes for continued growth, development, and prosperity for Saudi Arabia and its people.
Detailed Breakdown of the Saudi Aramco Oil Discovery
Eastern Province Discoveries
The Saudi Aramco oil discovery in the Eastern Province includes several significant finds:
- Jabu oil field: Arabian Extra Light Oil flowed in Jabu-1 well at an impressive rate of 800 barrels per day (bpd)
- Sayahid oil field: Arabian Extra Light Oil flowed in Sayahid-2 well at 630 bpd
- Ayfan oil field: Arabian Extra Light Oil in Ayfan-2 well flowed at 2,840 bpd, with 0.44 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) of associated gas per day
Additionally, Prince Abdulaziz reported that a Jubaila oil reservoir has been discovered in Berri field, where Arabian Light Oil flowed in Berri-907 well at 520 bpd, associated with 0.2 MMscf of gas daily. The Unayzah-A oil reservoir was also discovered in Mazalij field, producing Arabian Super Light Oil at 1,011 bpd, along with 0.92 MMscf of associated gas daily.
Empty Quarter Discoveries
The Saudi Aramco oil discovery extends to the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali), one of the world’s largest sand deserts, with these significant finds:
- Nuwayr oil field: Arabian Medium Oil flows at 1,800 bpd, with 0.55 MMscf of associated gas daily
- Damda oil field: Produces both Arabian Medium Oil (200 bpd from Mishrif-C reservoir) and Arabian Extra Light Oil (115 bpd from Mishrif-D reservoir)
- Qurqas oil field: Confirmed with Arabian Medium Oil flowing at 210 bpd
Natural Gas Discoveries
The Saudi Aramco oil discovery announcement also highlighted significant natural gas finds:
- Ghizlan gas field (Eastern Province): Producing 32 MMscf of gas daily from Unayzah B/C reservoir, with 2,525 barrels of condensate
- Araam gas field: Yielding 24 MMscf of gas daily with 3,000 barrels of condensate
- Qusaiba unconventional gas reservoir in Mihwaz field: Producing 3.5 MMscf of gas daily with 485 barrels of condensate
In the Empty Quarter, multiple gas reservoirs were discovered in Marzouq field:
- Arab-C gas reservoir: 9.5 MMscf daily
- Arab-D gas reservoir: 10 MMscf daily
- Upper Jubaila gas reservoir: 1.5 MMscf daily
Strategic Significance of the Saudi Aramco Oil Discovery
Prince Abdulaziz underscored the importance of these discoveries, stating they “solidify the Kingdom’s leading position in the global energy sector and reinforce its rich hydrocarbon potential.”
He emphasized that these discoveries “will lead to opening new horizons for the Kingdom’s economic development and strengthening its ability to meet both domestic and global energy demand efficiently and sustainably for decades to come.”
“These discoveries will also support sustained economic growth and prosperity, in line with Vision 2030 and Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals to fully harness its natural resources and enhance global energy security,” the minister added.
Historical Context of Saudi Aramco Oil Discovery
This latest announcement continues Saudi Aramco’s storied history of oil exploration and discovery that began in the 1930s. The company’s first commercial oil discovery came in 1938 at the famous Dammam Well No. 7, nicknamed “Prosperity Well,” which launched Saudi Arabia’s journey as an energy powerhouse.
Throughout its history, Saudi Aramco has made numerous landmark discoveries, including:
- Ghawar Field (1948): The world’s largest conventional oil field, still producing significantly today
- Safaniya Field (1951): The world’s largest offshore oil field
- Khurais Field (1957): One of the world’s largest oil developments
- Shaybah Field (1968): Located in the Rub’ al Khali desert, containing high-quality Arab Extra Light crude
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Saudi Arabia holds approximately 15% of the world’s proven oil reserves, largely due to Saudi Aramco’s exploration success.
Future Outlook Following the Saudi Aramco Oil Discovery
These new discoveries align perfectly with Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision for its energy sector. As global markets transition toward cleaner energy sources, the discovery of natural gas reserves is particularly significant, as natural gas represents a lower-carbon alternative to oil and coal.
The Saudi Ministry of Energy has indicated that these discoveries will support the Kingdom’s domestic industrialization plans while maintaining its crucial role in global energy markets. Experts from the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center suggest these discoveries will enhance Saudi Arabia’s energy security and economic diversification efforts.
Industry analysts predict these new fields will begin production within the next 3-5 years, following detailed reservoir characterization and development planning.
Conclusion
The latest Saudi Aramco oil discovery reinforces the Kingdom’s status as an energy superpower with substantial hydrocarbon resources yet to be tapped. These discoveries ensure Saudi Arabia’s continued ability to meet global energy demands while supporting its economic transformation under Vision 2030.
As Saudi Aramco continues its exploration efforts across the Kingdom, these 14 new discoveries represent not just additional resources, but strategic assets that will help shape the future of both Saudi Arabia and global energy markets.
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