Bahrain's Natural Gas: Powering The Kingdom's Energy Needs

Bahrain's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas, with petroleum being the country's most exported product. As of 2017, Bahrain held 3.25 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves, ranking 52nd in the world, and accounting for about 0.047% of the world's total natural gas reserves. Bahrain consumes 561,120 million cubic feet of natural gas per year and produces 727,489 million cubic feet of natural gas per year, ranking 35th in the world. The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oil fields, and the country's largest producer of natural gas is Tatweer Petroleum.

Bahrain's natural gas reserves are the 52nd largest in the world

Bahrain does not import or export any natural gas, and its output decreased by 4% in 2023 compared to 2022. The country is the world's 28th-largest producer of natural gas, accounting for 0.42% of global production. The largest producer of natural gas in Bahrain is Tatweer Petroleum, with output down by 1% in 2022. There is only one natural gas-producing field in Bahrain, located onshore in the Southern Governorate.

Bahrain's oil and gas sector remains a strong component of its economy, with revenues from oil exports accounting for over 70% of government income since 2007. In April 2018, the Bahraini government announced its biggest oil and gas discovery since the 1930s: an extensive reservoir off Bahrain's west coast estimated to contain 80 billion barrels of tight oil, as well as 10-20 trillion cubic feet in onshore "Pre-Unayzah" deep gas reserves beneath the legacy Bahrain field.

Bahrain is actively exploring Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology to deploy across its oil and gas and industrial sectors. The country is also carrying out a $7 billion upgrade of the BAPCO refinery, which will boost its processing capacity to 400,000 barrels per day. In addition, Bahrain LNG has completed the construction of the country's first LNG import terminal, which is seen as a strategic asset that could supplement local gas production and ensure capacity to meet peak seasonal gas demand and industrial growth in the future.

Bahrain does not import or export natural gas

Bahrain holds 3.25 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven natural gas reserves as of 2017, ranking 52nd in the world and accounting for about 0.047% of the world's total natural gas reserves. Bahrain's proven reserves are equivalent to 5.8 times its annual consumption, meaning it has about 6 years of gas left at current consumption levels.

Despite the relatively small size of its reserves, Bahrain does not import or export any natural gas (as of 2015). Instead, it produces 727,489 million cubic feet (MMcf) of natural gas per year (as of 2015), ranking 35th in the world. Bahrain consumes 561,120 MMcf of natural gas per year as of 2017, ranking 42nd in the world for natural gas consumption. This accounts for about 0.4% of the world's total consumption.

Bahrain's oil and gas sector remains a strong component of its economy, with revenues from oil exports accounting for over 70% of government income since 2007. In April 2018, the Bahraini government announced its biggest oil and gas discovery since the 1930s, with an extensive reservoir discovered off the country's west coast. This reservoir is estimated to contain some 80 billion barrels of tight oil, as well as 10-20 trillion cubic feet in onshore deep gas reserves.

To ensure energy security and meet peak seasonal gas demand, Bahrain LNG has constructed the country's first LNG import terminal. However, as of February 2020, this terminal remains idle. The Bahraini government is also seeking to diversify its economy and income sources, with a particular emphasis on developing the petrochemical industry.

Tatweer Petroleum is the largest producer of natural gas in Bahrain

Bahrain is the world's 28th-largest producer of natural gas, with the country's output decreasing by 4% in 2023 compared to 2022. The country's gas production accounts for 0.42% of global production, with the US, Russia, and Iran being the other top producers. Bahrain holds 3.25 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves as of 2017, ranking 52nd in the world.

Tatweer Petroleum has implemented a three-pronged strategy to enhance its position in the oil and gas industry. This strategy includes a dedication to performing every job safely, continuously seeking improved technology and processes, and focusing on cost efficiency. Through these methods, Tatweer Petroleum aims to maximize the value of the oil reservoirs.

The company has made significant investments in the redevelopment of the mature Bahrain Field, with a $4 billion investment over six years. Tatweer Petroleum has also signed a contract to install a new 500 MMSCFD gas dehydration facility, highlighting its commitment to securing the delivery of natural gas to meet the growing demands of the Kingdom. The company's development of the Bahrain Oil Field has been a major success, with production levels reaching highs not seen since the 1970s.

Tatweer Petroleum is committed to assisting in the aims of the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. The company prioritizes health, safety, and environmental protection, with various campaigns, initiatives, and bulletins in place to address safety risks and protect the Kingdom's resources. With its innovative approach, dedication to safety, and utilization of advanced technology, Tatweer Petroleum is well-positioned to optimize oil and gas production in Bahrain.

Bahrain's natural gas output decreased by 4% in 2023

Bahrain holds 3.25 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of proven gas reserves as of 2017, ranking 52nd in the world. This accounts for about 0.047% of the world's total natural gas reserves. Bahrain's gas reserves are equivalent to 5.8 times its annual consumption, which equates to about 6 years' worth of gas at current consumption levels.

The country consumes 561,120 million cubic feet (MMcf) of natural gas per year as of 2017, ranking 42nd in the world for natural gas consumption. Per capita consumption is 378,625 cubic feet of natural gas per year, or 1,037 cubic feet per capita per day.

Bahrain's natural gas production stood at 727,489.00 million cubic feet (MMcf) per year as of 2015, ranking it 35th in the world. The largest producer of natural gas in Bahrain is Tatweer Petroleum, with output down by 1% in 2022.

Bahrain has been working to diversify its economy and income sources away from oil and gas. The government is targeting manufacturing sectors such as plastics, fiberglass, chemicals, petrochemicals, and food processing. In particular, the petrochemical industry has seen rapid growth in five sub-sectors: construction chemicals, water treatment chemicals, polymer and plastic additives, paints and coating additives, and oil field chemicals.

Bahrain's energy requirements are expected to double

Bahrain has one of the highest energy consumption rates in the world. The country consumes almost three times more energy per person than the world average. As a result, Bahrain's energy requirements are expected to more than double from the current energy use. The peak system demand is expected to rise from 3,441 MW to around 8,000 MW.

Bahrain's oil and gas sector remains a strong component of its economy. The country has approximately 124.6 million barrels of proven oil reserves and 3.25 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves. In 2018, the Bahraini government announced its biggest oil and gas discovery since the 1930s, with an extensive reservoir off Bahrain's west coast estimated to contain 80 billion barrels of tight oil. The country also discovered 10-20 trillion cubic feet in onshore "Pre-Unayzah" deep gas reserves.

To meet the growing energy demand, the Bahraini government is planning and implementing projects to enhance energy production. The country has endorsed the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan and the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP). The NREAP aims to achieve long-term sustainability for the energy sector by proposing to increase the share of renewable energy to 5% by 2020 and 10% by 2030. Additionally, Bahrain has secured a $16.65 million investment from Indian firms in renewable energy.

The country is also exploring Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology to deploy across its oil and gas and industrial sectors. Bahrain is carrying out a $7 billion upgrade of the BAPCO refinery, which will boost its processing capacity and improve energy efficiency. The country has also completed the construction of its first LNG import terminal, which is seen as a strategic asset to supplement local gas production and meet peak seasonal gas demand.

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