Egypt’s DISOUCO JV sets benchmark in emission reduction with zero routine flaring

Wintershall Dea, in collaboration with its partner, the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), has reached a historic milestone by achieving zero routine flaring at the DISOUCO Joint Venture in Egypt. The joint venture, comprising EGAS and Wintershall Dea, has set a precedent, becoming the first company in Egypt to accomplish this significant feat. The deal’s foundation was laid in October 2022 when both companies signed a letter of intent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the Disouq gas project located in the onshore Nile Delta.

Dawn Summers, Wintershall Dea’s Chief Operating Officer and responsible board member for the MENA region, expressed the company’s commitment, stating, “We are turning ambitions into action. As the first company to achieve zero routine flaring in Egypt, DISOUCO is reducing emissions and preserving much-needed gas. We aim to set an example for best practice gas production in Egypt.”

Since December 2022, the Disouq facility has operated on a zero routine flaring basis, showcasing an optimized process design. This initiative aligns with Egypt’s simultaneous goals of lowering emissions and satisfying its escalating energy needs. Notably, the JV company recently made a natural gas discovery at the Abu Madi reservoir within the Disouq concession, a development that also profits from the low emission production.

Wintershall Dea and EGAS achieve zero routine flaring in Egypt: A milestone in greenhouse gas reduction. Photo courtesy of Wintershall Dea AG.

Sameh Sabry, Senior Vice President and Managing Director BU Egypt, underscored the significance of the achievement, saying, “Wintershall Dea strives to be a responsible partner for Egypt. That means producing the energy that Egypt needs in the most responsible way. DISOUCO being the first company to implement zero routine flaring in Egypt underlines our contribution towards a secure and sustainable energy future for Egypt. I thank our partners at EGAS for their support in implementing emission reductions.”

This monumental achievement is in line with Wintershall Dea’s global Energy Transition Pathway, part of their broader objective to promote a sustainable energy future in Egypt. The company has set substantial targets, including net zero greenhouse gas emissions for upstream activities by 2030 and a 25% net reduction by 2025. Wintershall Dea’s endorsement of the World Bank’s ‘Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative’ and the goal to keep methane intensity below 0.1% by 2025 reinforces its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Beyond the joint emission reduction program at Disouq, Wintershall Dea has rolled out its global methane Leak Detection and Repair program in Egypt. Additionally, the company is expanding a Carbon Management and Hydrogen business, aspiring to abate 20 to 30 million tonnes of CO2 annually by 2040 worldwide.

In 2022, Wintershall Dea and EGAS solidified their commitment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to collaboratively explore potential CCS and hydrogen projects. The attainment of zero routine flaring at DISOUCO JV underlines Wintershall Dea’s delivery on these environmental objectives in Egypt, paving the way for a cleaner energy future.