Natural Gas Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean Page: 2 of 18
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Natural Gas Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean
Summary
Since 2009, a series of large natural gas discoveries in the Levant Basin have altered the
dynamics of the Eastern Mediterranean region. Israel's discovery of the Tamar Field and
subsequent discovery of the larger Leviathan Field created the potential for the country to become
a regional player in the natural gas market. Since the initial Israeli discoveries, Cyprus and Egypt
have also found new gas deposits in the Mediterranean. The Aphrodite Field was discovered by
U.S. firm Noble Energy in Cypriot waters in late 2011 and the massive Zohr Field was found in
Egyptian waters by Italian firm Eni in 2015.These discoveries create the potential for Cyprus to
export gas and for Egypt to meet more of its domestic gas needs. Lebanon has not yet discovered
recoverable gas reserves, but geologic data indicates that there is the potential for Lebanon to
possess significant gas resources. Israeli gas discoveries have been contested by Lebanon, which
disputes an area of about 300 square miles along the countries' unsettled maritime border. The
Administration has sought to mediate the maritime dispute between Israel and Lebanon.
New gas reserves could change how energy is used in the region. Since the Tamar find, Israel's
electricity energy mix has begun to shift from oil to natural gas-fired power plants. Gas-fired
plants emit less carbon than oil-fired plants, and continuing to convert oil plants could help Israel
meet long-term carbon emissions goals. The development of gas infrastructure in Cyprus could
also help the country transition from oil to gas-fired power generation. A similar shift could also
occur in Lebanon should gas be discovered and related infrastructure developed. Lebanon
currently uses no natural gas.
Israel now has the potential to become a gas exporter. There are a number of potential buyers for
Israeli gas. Egypt, currently facing an energy crisis, will need to import gas to cover domestic
demand in the near future. While Israeli gas imports are politically unpopular in Egypt, private
Egyptian firms have already begun to negotiate agreements with Noble Energy to import Israeli
gas. Jordan is another possible destination for Israeli gas. Repeated attacks on Egypt's Arab Gas
Pipeline have decreased Jordan's energy security and increased the need for it to find alternate,
reliable sources of gas. Finally, recent progress on improving diplomatic relations has opened the
possibility of Israeli gas exports to Turkey. These exports could either be shipped by the
construction of a direct pipeline or by liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers crossing the
Mediterranean.
Although the United States is essentially independent in its natural gas resources, it has expressed
interest in the Eastern Mediterranean natural gas resources, particularly in the development of
Israel's resources. Congress and the Obama Administration have undertaken a variety of efforts in
regard to the region's natural gas. Legislation has been introduced in both Houses of Congress,
and has become law, during the last couple of sessions that address the region's natural gas
resources.Congressional Research Service
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Ratner, Michael. Natural Gas Discoveries in the Eastern Mediterranean, report, August 15, 2016; Washington D.C.. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1020710/m1/2/: accessed April 24, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.