Jafurah Unconventional Gas Field: A Comprehensive Strategic Report

Saudi Gulf News January 28, 2026

Executive Summary

The Jafurah Unconventional Gas Field is one of the most transformative energy projects in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. Developed and operated by Saudi Aramco, Jafurah is the largest liquid‑rich shale gas field in the region and among the most significant unconventional gas developments globally. With estimated resources of approximately 229 trillion standard cubic feet (Tscf) of raw gas and 75 billion stock tank barrels of condensate, Jafurah is a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s long‑term energy security, economic diversification, and energy‑transition strategy under Vision 2030.


A map of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province highlighting the 17,000 square kilometer Jafurah gas basin located southeast of the Ghawar oil field.
Image Courtesy: Aramco


This report presents a consolidated, structured overview of the Jafurah Gas Field, covering its geology, development phases, infrastructure, production outlook, economic impact, environmental significance, and global market implications.

🚀Jafurah Gas Field: Key Highlights

  • Global Scale: The largest liquid-rich shale gas field in the Middle East and the largest unconventional gas development outside the United States.

  • The "Jewel" of Aramco: A $100B+ investment central to Saudi Vision 2030, designed to shift the Kingdom from oil-burning power to a gas-and-renewables mix.

  • Production Powerhouse: On track to deliver 2 billion scfd of sales gas by 2030, significantly boosting the global supply of ethane and NGLs.

  • Economic Engine: Expected to contribute $20 billion annually to Saudi GDP and create over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

  • Energy Transition: Directly supports "Blue Hydrogen" production and replaces 500,000 barrels of crude oil daily that was previously used for domestic power.

 Fast Facts & Data Tables

Table 1: Resource Estimates at a Glance

Resource TypeEstimated AmountProven Reserves
Raw Gas229 Trillion Standard Cubic Feet (Tscf)15 Tscf
Condensate75 Billion Stock Tank Barrels2 Billion Barrels

Table 2: Production Targets (2030 Peak)


Output CommodityTarget Production Capacity
Sales Gas2.0 Billion scfd
Ethane420 Million scfd
NGLs & Condensate630,000 Barrels per day


1. Introduction to the Jafurah Gas Field

Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, southeast of the Ghawar oil field, the Jafurah basin spans approximately 17,000 square kilometers, with an average length of 170 km and width of 100 km. The field is classified as a non‑associated, unconventional shale gas resource, meaning the gas is not produced alongside crude oil and requires advanced extraction technologies.

Saudi Aramco describes Jafurah as the “jewel of its unconventional gas program,” reflecting both its scale and strategic importance.

An infographic detailing the Jafurah Gas Field's 229 Tscf of raw gas resources, $110 billion investment, and its $20 billion projected annual contribution to Saudi GDP.
Image Courtesy: Aramco


2. Resource Base and Geological Characteristics

Jafurah is a liquid‑rich shale gas play, containing methane along with valuable by‑products such as ethane, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and condensate. These resources significantly enhance the project’s economic viability and downstream integration potential.

Key Resource Estimates

  • Raw gas in place: ~229 Tscf
  • Condensate: ~75 billion stock tank barrels
  • Proven reserves (gas): ~15 Tscf
  • Proven reserves (condensate): ~2 billion barrels

The gas is primarily sourced from the Tuwaiq Mountain formation, characterized by low permeability shale, necessitating unconventional extraction techniques.

 

Detailed map showing the Jafurah gas field layout, including the Riyas NGL fractionation plant and the 1,500km pipeline gathering system.
Image Courtesy: Oil and Gas Middle-East

3. Advanced Extraction and Drilling Technologies

Unlike conventional gas reservoirs, shale formations require horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to enable commercial production. At Jafurah, Saudi Aramco has deployed:

  • Long‑reach horizontal wells
  • Multi‑stage hydraulic fracturing
  • High‑performance drilling systems
  • Advanced subsurface modeling and seismic imaging
  • Walking drilling rigs for improved efficiency and safety

These technologies allow Aramco to unlock gas trapped in ultra‑tight rock formations while optimizing well productivity and minimizing surface impact.

 

A heavy-duty industrial crane lifting large structural components during the construction of the Jafurah gas processing facility in Saudi Arabia.
Image Courtesy: JPT

4. Development Phases and Project Timeline

The Jafurah development follows a phased execution strategy, ensuring technical optimization and capital efficiency.

Phase 1

  • Development start: November 2021
  • Initial gas processing capacity: ~450 million scfd
  • First production: 2025

Phase 2

  • Expanded gas processing and compression facilities
  • Integration with Riyas NGL fractionation plant
  • Target completion: 2027

Full Field Development

  • Target sales gas capacity: 2 billion scfd by 2030
  • Long‑term potential beyond 2030 through additional expansion phases

Total lifecycle investment is expected to exceed USD 100–110 billion, making it one of the largest energy investments in the world.

 

5. Surface Infrastructure and Facilities

The Jafurah project includes a comprehensive surface and midstream network designed to ensure reliable gas delivery and processing:

  • Gas processing plants (multi‑phase development)
  • Riyas NGL fractionation facility
  • Gas compression systems
  • Approximately 1,500 km of pipelines (gas gathering, flow lines, and transfer pipelines)
  • Cogeneration power plant (320 MW electricity + steam generation)
  • Bulk supply points, substations, and power transmission lines

This integrated infrastructure enables large‑scale, efficient production while supporting downstream industries.

 

6. Production Outlook and By‑Products

At peak production, Jafurah is expected to deliver:

  • 2.0 billion scfd of sales gas
  • ~420 million scfd of ethane
  • ~630,000 barrels per day of NGLs and condensate

These outputs position Saudi Arabia among the world’s leading natural gas producers and significantly strengthen the Kingdom’s petrochemical feedstock supply.

 

7. Economic Impact and Vision 2030 Alignment

Jafurah plays a central role in Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation:

  • Estimated annual contribution to GDP: ~USD 20 billion
  • Expected annual net income: ~USD 8–9 billion
  • Thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities
  • Strengthening of local supply chains through the iktva program

By prioritizing domestic utilization, Jafurah supports industries such as power generation, water desalination, petrochemicals, mining, steel production, and advanced manufacturing.

A conceptual image or chart representing the upward trend of Saudi Arabia's GDP, driven by the $20 billion annual economic contribution from the Jafurah Gas Field.
Image Courtesy: Pexels

8. Role in Energy Transition and Net‑Zero Goals

Natural gas from Jafurah is a critical enabler of Saudi Arabia’s lower‑carbon energy strategy:

  • Displacement of up to 500,000 barrels per day of liquid fuels previously burned for power generation
  • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
  • Support for Aramco’s net‑zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions target by 2050
  • Alignment with the Kingdom’s net‑zero 2060 ambition

Jafurah gas also underpins the development of blue hydrogen and blue ammonia, supporting future clean‑energy export opportunities.

 

9. Investment, Partnerships, and Asset Monetization

Saudi Aramco has attracted strong international investor interest in Jafurah’s midstream assets. A notable milestone includes an USD 11 billion lease‑and‑leaseback agreement with a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (BlackRock).

Key highlights:

  • Creation of Jafurah Midstream Gas Company (JMGC)
  • Aramco retains 51% ownership
  • Long‑term asset optimization without production constraints

This model enhances capital efficiency while maintaining operational control.

 

10. Global Market Implications

While Jafurah gas is primarily targeted for domestic use, its scale reshapes Saudi Arabia’s position in global energy markets:

  • Strengthened role as a major natural gas producer
  • Indirect impact on global oil markets by freeing crude for export
  • Long‑term optionality for LNG participation through overseas investments and trading

Jafurah reinforces Saudi Arabia’s influence across both oil and gas value chains.

 

A visual representing an LNG tanker or terminal, symbolizing Saudi Arabia's goal to become a top global gas producer and potential exporter by 2030 through the Jafurah project.
Image Courtesy: Pexels

Conclusion

The Jafurah Unconventional Gas Field is more than an energy project—it is a strategic platform for economic growth, industrial development, and energy transition. Through advanced technology, phased execution, and massive investment, Saudi Aramco is unlocking one of the world’s most significant shale gas resources.

As production ramps up toward 2030, Jafurah will play a defining role in reshaping Saudi Arabia’s energy mix, supporting Vision 2030, and positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in integrated energy and chemicals.


"The Jafurah field is a massive leap for the global energy landscape. How do you think this shift from oil to gas will impact global energy prices by 2030? 

Let’s discuss in the comments below!"


Read Also: Industrial 4.0 in the Desert: The Digital Transformationof the Jafurah Field

Tags
Saudi Gulf News

Posted by Saudi Gulf News

Post a Comment

0 Comments