Saudi energy giant Aramco has received regulatory approval to start developing a major unconventional natural gas field in the country, which will help its petrochemical sector, the company recently announced.
The Jafurah unconventional gas field in the country's eastern province, the largest non-associated gas field in Saudi Arabia, is estimated to hold 200 trillion cubic feet (5.66 trillion cubic meters) of natural gas, according to Saudi Aramco.
The field, which spans 170 kilometers in length and 100 kilometers in width, will 'provide a valuable feedstock for the petrochemical industries,' Aramco said in a statement on Saturday.
Saudi Aramco said it expects gas production from the Jafurah field to begin early 2024, and estimates gas output will reach around 2.2 billion cubic feet (62.3 million cubic meters) per day by 2036.
The field is forecast to have ethane production of 425 million cubic feet (12 million cubic meters) per day.
Aramco said it also expects the field to produce around 550,000 barrels per day of gas liquids and condensates.
By Ovunc Kutlu
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr