Italy’s energy giant, Eni, announced a significant natural gas and condensate discovery in the Temsah Concession, located offshore in Egypt’s Eastern Mediterranean. Preliminary estimates for the Denise W 1 exploration well indicate approximately two trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of natural gas initially in place (GIIP) and 130 million barrels (mmbbl) of associated condensates.

The discovery, situated 70 kilometers (km) offshore in 95 meters of water depth, is positioned less than 10 km from existing infrastructure. This proximity allows for substantial synergies, enabling a fast-track development plan to strengthen Egypt’s energy security and increase national natural gas production, according to Eni’s press release.

The Denise W reservoir features high-quality gas-bearing sandstone with approximately 50 meters of net pay, similar to the nearby Temsah field, which has been in production since 2001. This success follows a binding agreement signed by Eni in July 2025 with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) for a 20-year renewal of the Temsah Concession.

Eni operates the Denise Development Lease with a 50% contractor working interest, alongside bp, which holds the remaining 50%. The asset is managed through Petrobel, the joint venture (JV) operating company between Eni and EGPC.

This discovery confirms Eni’s strategy of rejuvenating producing assets through infrastructure-led exploration. Active in Egypt since 1954, Eni reported an equity oil and natural gas production of 242,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) in 2025.

Eni is the operator of Egypt’s largest gas field, Zohr. Eni has committed to investing $8 billion in exploration and production activities in Egypt over the coming years to support the country’s transition into a regional energy hub.