Sonatrach and NOC Announce New Oil and Gas Discovery in Ghadames Basin
Image: Rass El Mal
Takeaway
The new discovery in the Ghadames Basin, made in partnership between Sonatrach and NOC, signals continued investment opportunities in North African hydrocarbon exploration. International energy companies should closely monitor Sonatrach's partnerships and Algeria's licensing rounds, particularly in frontier zones and offshore areas, to capitalize on the region's untapped potential and contribute to increasing gas production for export to Europe.
Sonatrach, in collaboration with Libya's National Oil Corporation (NOC), announced a new oil and gas discovery in the Ghadames Basin on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The Ghadames Basin is located in northwestern Libya, near the Algerian border. The discovery was made through the exploration well A1-69/02, situated 70 kilometers from the Wafa field. Drilling operations reached a final depth of 8,440 feet.
The exploration well is producing approximately 13 million cubic feet of gas per day, along with 327 barrels of condensate per day, from the Ouinat Wanin and Ouinat Kaza formations. The NOC stated that this discovery is a significant addition to Libya's oil and gas reserves. The Ghadames Basin is considered one of North Africa's most important hydrocarbon basins, holding substantial oil and gas reserves. The basin straddles the border region shared by Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia, approximately 600 to 620 kilometers southwest of Tripoli.
Sonatrach has been increasingly active in partnerships to boost exploration and production. Algeria is focusing on frontier exploration, shale gas development, and offshore projects to increase its oil and gas output. ALNAFT, Algeria's regulatory body, aims to reach the full potential of the country's reserves. Sonatrach estimates that about 66% of Algerian territory remains unexplored or mostly underexplored.
This discovery highlights the potential of Libya's oil and gas sector, despite the persistent vulnerabilities caused by armed conflict and political instability. Libya's economy is heavily dependent on oil and gas exports, which account for over 95% of its economic output. The new discovery supports the NOC's strategic direction in developing its hydrocarbon resources.
In October 2024, the Algerian government launched a licensing round for six onshore exploration blocks, with plans to schedule four additional licensing rounds annually until 2028. These blocks are located in the Berkine and Illizi basins, the Reggane, Gourara Timimoun, and Ahnet Gourara basins, and the Hassi R'Mel Hub. Investors and energy companies should monitor future licensing rounds and partnership opportunities with Sonatrach as Algeria seeks to expand its energy production.