Aramco Launches Production at $100 Billion Jafurah Gas Development in Major Energy Expansion
Saudi energy giant begins initial output from vast unconventional gas field aimed at boosting domestic supply and industrial growth
Saudi Aramco has begun production at its flagship Jafurah unconventional gas field, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s strategy to expand natural gas output and diversify its energy mix.
The start of initial production at the estimated $100 billion development represents one of the most ambitious unconventional gas projects outside North America.
Located in the Eastern Province, Jafurah is expected to become the largest shale gas field in the Middle East once fully developed, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s domestic energy security and supporting industrial expansion.
Aramco has previously outlined plans for the field to reach a sustainable production capacity of up to two billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day by the end of the decade, alongside significant volumes of ethane, natural gas liquids and condensate.
The phased rollout is designed to progressively ramp up output, supplying feedstock for petrochemicals and enabling greater substitution of crude oil in domestic power generation.
Company executives have described Jafurah as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon intensity and expand downstream industries.
By increasing natural gas availability, the project is expected to support growth in manufacturing, hydrogen development and export-oriented petrochemical production.
The development has involved extensive drilling, advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques and large-scale infrastructure construction, including processing facilities and pipeline networks.
Aramco has emphasised the deployment of digital monitoring systems and efficiency technologies aimed at lowering emissions and optimising production performance.
Global energy markets are closely watching the project’s progress, as expanded Saudi gas output could influence regional supply dynamics and free additional crude volumes for export.
Analysts note that the scale of Jafurah underscores the Kingdom’s intent to maintain its leadership in energy while adapting to evolving demand patterns and decarbonisation pressures.
With initial production now under way, Aramco is expected to continue expanding development phases over the coming years, reinforcing natural gas as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy strategy.
The start of initial production at the estimated $100 billion development represents one of the most ambitious unconventional gas projects outside North America.
Located in the Eastern Province, Jafurah is expected to become the largest shale gas field in the Middle East once fully developed, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s domestic energy security and supporting industrial expansion.
Aramco has previously outlined plans for the field to reach a sustainable production capacity of up to two billion standard cubic feet of sales gas per day by the end of the decade, alongside significant volumes of ethane, natural gas liquids and condensate.
The phased rollout is designed to progressively ramp up output, supplying feedstock for petrochemicals and enabling greater substitution of crude oil in domestic power generation.
Company executives have described Jafurah as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s broader economic transformation, aligned with Vision 2030 objectives to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon intensity and expand downstream industries.
By increasing natural gas availability, the project is expected to support growth in manufacturing, hydrogen development and export-oriented petrochemical production.
The development has involved extensive drilling, advanced hydraulic fracturing techniques and large-scale infrastructure construction, including processing facilities and pipeline networks.
Aramco has emphasised the deployment of digital monitoring systems and efficiency technologies aimed at lowering emissions and optimising production performance.
Global energy markets are closely watching the project’s progress, as expanded Saudi gas output could influence regional supply dynamics and free additional crude volumes for export.
Analysts note that the scale of Jafurah underscores the Kingdom’s intent to maintain its leadership in energy while adapting to evolving demand patterns and decarbonisation pressures.
With initial production now under way, Aramco is expected to continue expanding development phases over the coming years, reinforcing natural gas as a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s long-term energy strategy.
