Egypt Explores Energy Diversification With Oil Shale Study Agreement
The Mineral Resources and Mining Industries Authority (MRMIA) has partnered with New Valley Company for Mineral Resources and Oil Clay (Wadico) to explore and assess Egypt’s untapped oil shale potential. Under the agreement, the two organizations will collaborate on geological, technical, and economic studies to determine the commercial viability of oil shale development.
Unlike conventional crude oil, oil shale contains kerogen — a solid organic substance that must be heated to extract liquid hydrocarbons. Egypt’s arid regions are believed to hold substantial deposits, particularly suited for extraction using surface mining and thermal processing technologies.
The initiative marks a strategic push toward alternative and unconventional energy sources. If successful, oil shale could help diversify Egypt’s energy mix, reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports, and support long-term energy security.
Additionally, this project represents Egypt’s commitment to utilizing all forms of indigenous energy resources and could pave the way for the establishment of shale-powered cement plants or power stations, especially in areas lacking gas pipeline connectivity.
Source: egyptoil-gas.com
