Eni and Libya's NOC launch Bouri gas project with 1.5m tonne emissions cut
The Bouri gas utilization project, led by Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation, aims to cut carbon emissions by 1.5 million tonnes annually while boosting gas supply for both Libya and Europe.
Eni and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) have commenced the Bouri gas utilization project, targeting a reduction of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year and enhancing gas supplies for Libya's domestic market and European exports.
The initiative, operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas Libyan Branch—a joint venture between NOC and Eni North Africa—aims to recover associated gas from the Bouri field, which has historically been flared. According to project partners, the recovered gas will provide an incremental 700 million standard cubic meters annually to the Libyan grid.
The project includes the construction of a new gas recovery module and supporting infrastructure. Saipem completed the lifting operations for the module earlier this year, paving the way for the project's start-up procedures announced on October 19.
The environmental significance is twofold: a material reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from flaring and a shift towards more sustainable energy generation. By capturing and utilizing gas that would otherwise be wasted, Libya stands to improve both its environmental footprint and its energy efficiency.
For Libya’s energy sector, the project is expected to lower operational costs by reducing the need for gas flaring, a practice with both environmental and economic drawbacks. This move could enhance the competitiveness of Libyan gas, particularly as the sector seeks to attract further investment and tap into growing European demand.
On a regional level, the additional gas volumes are set to support exports to Europe via the GreenStream pipeline, providing European buyers with greater supply diversity at a time of heightened focus on energy security.
Operational risks remain, including potential challenges during the start-up phase and the possibility of regulatory changes in Libya. However, the launch of the Bouri gas utilization project signals a strengthening of international energy partnerships and could serve as a model for further emissions-reduction initiatives in North Africa.
