Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced that Italy’s Eni and Britain’s BP have resumed exploration activities in Libya, marking a significant step forward in the country’s energy sector, which has faced challenges since 2014, according to the media report. The companies are now actively re-engaging in onshore drilling operations that had been on hold due to the instability in the region. Meanwhile, Spain’s Repsol is also preparing to recommence drilling activities, with plans to resume operations in the Murzuq Basin. Additionally, Austria’s OMV is expected to begin its own operations in the Sirte Basin in the coming weeks, signaling a broader trend of renewed international interest in Libya’s oil and gas resources.

Eni has initiated its exploration activities in Area B (96/3) within the Ghadames Basin, where it has started drilling the first exploratory well, designated as A1-96/3, or “Wildfire Hope.” This exploration marks the first contractual obligation under the Type IV Contracting Agreement of 2007 in Area B of the Ghadames Basin. Eni’s operations in this area are being conducted in partnership with BP and the Libyan Investment Company, illustrating a collaborative approach to energy resource development in Libya.

The drilling and other operational activities at well A1-96/3 are managed by Mellitah Oil & Gas, which leverages its extensive experience in the region. Mellitah Oil & Gas, jointly owned by Eni and the NOC, has a proven track record with successful projects in the Ghadames Basin, notably the Al Wafa field. The expertise of Mellitah Oil & Gas is instrumental in ensuring that the well’s development proceeds efficiently and adheres to international standards, given Libya’s renewed commitment to fostering a stable and investment-friendly environment in its energy sector.

The NOC highlighted the geological potential of well A1-96/3, noting that it targets a range of promising geological formations. These formations are expected to yield both oil and natural gas reserves, contributing to Libya’s overall production capacity. With an anticipated final depth of approximately 10,327 feet (3,147 meters), the well represents a strategic asset that could significantly boost the nation’s energy reserves. Its proximity to the Al Wafa field, located just 35 kilometers away, enhances the logistical feasibility of operations, given the infrastructure already in place to support large-scale extraction and transportation of hydrocarbons.

Located approximately 650 kilometers from Tripoli, the Ghadames Basin area holds particular significance due to its substantial untapped resources. The resumption of activities by Eni and BP, alongside anticipated operations from Repsol and OMV, reflects the commitment of international energy companies to re-establish their presence in Libya. This resumption not only underscores the potential of Libya’s hydrocarbon reserves but also signals a move towards economic revitalization and increased foreign investment in the country’s key industries.