Egypt’s natural gas production fell to a three-year low in the first five months of 2023, figures from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) show, raising questions about the country’s efforts to position itself as a regional energy hub.

Currently the country is grappling with power shortages when a heatwave has driven up demand for cooling.

Gas production between January and May declined by 9% year-on-year and 12% when compared to the same period in 2021.

Egypt, which faces growing demand for gas from its population of 105 million, has been seeking a regional supply role, selling its own gas and re-exporting Israeli gas as liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

It received a boost from Italian company Eni’s discovery of the giant Zohr gas field in 2015, and started importing from Israel in 2020.

But there have been few large discoveries since, and a significant increase in supplies from Israel would only be possible after major infrastructure investment.

Production at Zohr stands at 2.3 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd), the government said last month, down from 2.7 bcfd in 2019.

Analysts and an industry source said water infiltration issues at Zohr, which had an estimated 30 tcf of gas reserves and a design capacity of 3.2 bcfd, have held back production.

“The decline in production from the field is having a notable impact on gas output as the field accounts for approximately 40% of the country’s total gas production,” said Olumide Ajayi, senior LNG analyst at LSEG.

Both Eni and the Egyptian government last week denied production problems at Zohr. The government says work is under way on Zohr’s 20th well.

The government in July announced the start of a $1.8 billion programme to drill natural gas exploration wells in the Mediterranean Sea and Nile Delta, and the discovery of an offshore field, Nargis, estimated to hold around 2.5 tcf of reserves.

However, in July ratings agency Fitch revised down its forecast for Egypt’s gas production in 2023, to a 4% decline from its previous prediction of 1% y-o-y growth. It cited a thin project pipeline and high depletion rates at existing fields.

These include declining output from the Western Desert, West Delta Deep Marine and onshore fields in the Nile Delta, said Siamak Adibi of consultancy FGE.

Rolling blackouts this summer have also raised questions about gas supply, which accounted for 77% of Egypt’s power generation in 2022, according to BMI Research.

In 2022, the government announced a decision to ration electricity so it could export more gas. However, it said last month it would halt exports until the autumn to meet domestic demand.

“This gas rationing for export coupled with the increase in electricity demand and the shortage of gas has contributed to the power shortages in Egypt,” said Lerato Monaisa, BMI Research’s senior power and renewables analyst.

Electricity Minister Mohamed Shaker told local media in July that the power cuts resulted from his ministry receiving lower quantities of natural gas and fuel oil.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly later denied that natural gas shortages or exports were a factor in the power cuts, and said extra mazut, a carbon intensive fuel oil the government has resorted to for power generation, would be imported.

Egypt’s petroleum and electricity ministries did not respond to a request for comment.

A major increase in solar power generation in southern Europe played a leading role in averting energy shortages during the heatwaves of recent weeks when temperatures broke records and drove unprecedented demand for air conditioning.

Solar power is particularly suited to coping with summer heat as the sun’s radiation is strongest around the hottest part of the day, when electricity demand for cooling is also at its highest.

“The very significant growth in solar basically compensates for the peaks that are caused by air conditioning,” Kristian Ruby, secretary general of electricity industry group Eurelectric, said of the situation in Spain.

Spain and Greece are among the countries that have installed many more solar panels in the face of record high energy prices last year and the quest for increased energy security linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Spain added a record 4.5 gigawatts of solar photovoltaic capacity last year, resulting in solar energy output in July – typically one of the sunniest months – that was higher than any month to date, Spanish electricity grid operator Red Electrica said.

Data from Ember showed solar provided almost 24% of Spain’s electricity in July this year, up from 16% in July 2022.

When soaring temperatures and demand for cooling led to a peak in Sicilian power demand on July 24, nearly half of the excess demand – which totalled 1.3 GW – was covered by solar, Refinitiv data show. Sicily’s solar production last month was more than double that of July 2022.

To Sua Ocean Trench is a geological formation that is located in the vicinity of the village of Lotofaga, in the southern part of the island of Upolu, within the eastern part of the Independent State of Samoa.

As the world is replete with natural wonders that captivate the imagination of every person, this enchanting formation too is a testament to the immense power of nature that leaves every adventurer and nature enthusiast in awe.

Nestled on the coast of Samoa’s Upolu Island which represents the heart of the nation, To Sua Ocean Trench recently has become a must-visit destination for those seeking to witness the sublime wonders of our planet.

As the trench is a natural pool that was formed as a result of the collapse of an ancient lava tube, it is filled with crystal-clear turquoise waters which not only fill the trench but also create a mesmerizing sight, contrasting against the lush tropical surroundings.

The combination of the green, blue-turquoise, and somewhat grey coloring, is a sight that leaves visitors breathless and ignites a sense of wonder and appreciation for the Earth’s geological history.

Interestingly though, the descent to the trench is an adventure in itself, as a sturdy ladder leads visitors down into the trench, where they are greeted by the cool embrace of the refreshing water.

The trench has a depth of over 30 m (98 ft), providing an exhilarating experience for avid swimmers and divers, but as one swim or floats on their back, the steep walls of the trench soar above, adorned with verdant vegetation, trickling waterfalls, and overhanging vines.

It is as if nature itself has created a hidden sanctuary, offering respite from the outside world. Beyond its natural allure, the To Sua Ocean Trench also holds cultural significance for the Samoan people, for the reason that in Samoan mythology, it is believed to be the bathing place of the powerful god Taga.

The tranquility and serenity found within the trench are said to be a reflection of Taga’s calming influence, making it a sacred site, furthermore enhancing the spiritual connection and experience as visitors immerse themselves in the mystical ambiance that pervades the surroundings.

In addition, for those seeking a moment of respite and contemplation, the trench offers a tranquil haven, as sunlight filtering through the canopy above casts ethereal beams into the water, creating a surreal underwater vista.

The silence is broken only by the gentle sound of water trickling from the surrounding walls, and it is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing visitors to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with the natural wonders of the Earth.

In conclusion, the To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa stands as a testament to the awe-inspiring power of nature and the inherent beauty that lies within our planet, where its stunning and quite complementary turquoise waters, towering walls, and peaceful ambiance create an otherworldly experience that lingers in the memories of those fortunate enough to witness it.