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Israel approves extra gas exports, Leviathan field to be broadened

The partners in Israel's. Leviathan gas field stated on Wednesday they prepared to invest up. to $500 million to expand its capability after the government. authorized the export of more natural gas from its offshore fields. to boost the economy.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen said the decision to more than. double the amount of gas enabled exports would enhance. diplomatic ties, enhance Israel's energy security and bring an. included windfall to the economy.

His ministry okayed for the export of an. additional 118 billion cubic metres of natural gas from the east. Mediterranean reserves, beyond the 105 bcm previously authorized. The business will still need to get specific export licences. for the additional amounts.

Israel's NewMed Energy, which owns a 45.3% stake. in the Leviathan field, said its partners now intended to invest. $ 400 million to $500 million in front-end engineering style and. long lead products for the field's growth.

It added that additional exports could rise to 145 bcm if. certain conditions were satisfied.

Leviathan, the biggest of Israel's 3 overseas gas fields. which primarily exports to Egypt and Jordan, is run by. Chevron and likewise consists of Ratio Energies as a. partner.

Demand for natural gas in Israel and local markets is. rising and as such we are preparing to expand production at the. Leviathan task, Ratio president Yigal Landau stated.

Chevron stated in a statement that it was delighted to partner. with Israel, and we anticipate supporting the country's. strategy to establish its energy resources for the advantage of the. nation and the region.

Leviathan presently produces 12 bcm a year, which will. gradually rise to about 21 bcm a year, NewMed said. It said the. group is continuing to work out new deals to sell gas. locally and worldwide.

Israel exported 8.6 bcm of gas to Egypt in 2023, which is an. boost of 39% over the previous year. It also provided Jordan. with 2.9 bcm in 2023.

(source: Reuters)