Ethiopia

Ethiopia discovers 21.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas in Ogaden region

A comprehensive survey conducted in the Ogaden region in Ethiopia has successfully identified significant natural gas reserves totalling 21.336 billion cubic meters. (Photo: ABDAS)

By Amina Wako | Monday, June 17, 2024

This discovery adds to Ethiopia's existing oil and natural gas deposits found in six other locations across the country, including Mekele, Metema, South Omo, and Gambella.

A comprehensive survey conducted in the Ogaden region in Ethiopia has successfully identified significant natural gas reserves totalling 21.336 billion cubic meters.

According to The Ethiopian Herald, the discovery results from an extensive survey involving the drilling of 19 wells in the area confirm the substantial presence of natural gas.

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State Minister of Mines Million Mathewos expressed optimism about the swift development of this newly found resource.

"Extensive work has been done to utilise the resources in the Ogaden area of the Somali state properly, and it has been confirmed that there are other mineral resources in the area," The Ethiopian Herald quoted Million.

He emphasised that the government aims to produce natural gas by next year, a notably rapid timeline for resource exploration projects.

This expedited development process is supported by various forms of governmental aid and monitoring to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

This discovery adds to Ethiopia's existing oil and natural gas deposits found in six other locations across the country, including Mekele, Metema, South Omo, and Gambella.

The Ministry of Mines said it is committed to harnessing these resources as a critical component of the nation's economic development.

Million Mathewos highlighted the strategic importance of this discovery, stating, "While some resource exploration projects can take years, we are confident of achieving success in a shorter timeframe here."

The government's support and close monitoring are integral to the accelerated exploration and development efforts.

Geothermal projects

In addition to the discovery of natural gas, the government, in collaboration with regional states and the private sector, is working to establish major geothermal projects.

These projects aim to bolster the national energy supply and create job opportunities, contributing to broader economic growth.

The announcement of the 21.336 billion cubic meters of natural gas comes after a significant discovery in August 2022, when Ethiopia announced the finding of 7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Ogaden region.

The verification of these reserves by the property analysis and consulting firm, Netherland, Swell & Associates, and the subsequent handing over of the first gas reserves certificate to the Ethiopian government marked a milestone in the country's resource exploration history.