6th Agreement Signed Since Beginning of Year: Sonatrach Secures Multiple Contracts with Europe
✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | May 20, 2024 — Since January 2024, Algeria’s national hydrocarbons company, Sonatrach, has been actively signing agreements with various European partners, focusing on the exploration, exploitation, and production of hydrocarbons in new territories. To date, six significant agreements have been finalized, indicating a strategic push to bolster Algeria’s energy sector and enhance international cooperation.
The most recent agreement was concluded yesterday with the Italian group ENI. This deal aims to strengthen existing partnerships and expand collaborative efforts. The new program under this agreement focuses on research and exploitation to boost hydrocarbon potential in the areas of Zemoul El-Kbar, Rourde El-Louh – Sif Fatima, and Rhourde Messaoud Nord. This is the second agreement between Sonatrach and ENI this year; earlier, they signed a protocol to develop the In Salah and In Amenas fields, in collaboration with the Norwegian company Equinor.
Additionally, Sonatrach signed a contract with the French group Total Energies for the development of the Timimoun basin, targeting a production of 14 million cubic meters per day. These efforts are complemented by Sonatrach’s independent initiatives, particularly at Hassi R’mel, Algeria’s largest gas field, aimed at boosting the country’s gas output.
In parallel, Sonatrach has accelerated the production of new discoveries in the southern Illizi basin. This includes partnerships with the Saudi group Midad Energy North Africa and the Chinese company Sinopec to explore the Hassi Berkane Nord perimeter. Another notable agreement was signed with the Swedish firm Tethys Oil AB for the exploration, development, and exploitation of hydrocarbons in the El-Hadjira II and El-Haiad II areas.
These collaborations underscore Sonatrach’s long-standing commitment to enhancing national production through intensified exploration activities, especially in remote areas like the Illizi region. The overarching goal is to meet the rapidly growing local demand while honoring international commitments.
The surge in European investment in Algeria’s upstream gas sector reflects a strategic shift in Europe’s energy vision for the southern Mediterranean. Algeria, a leader in the energy industry in the Mediterranean and Africa, is seen as a potential solution to the continent’s ongoing energy crisis. This perspective was prominently discussed at the 3rd edition of the international forum held last week in Sorrente, Italy, themed “Towards the South: A New Energy Vision for Africa.” Participants emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation between Mediterranean countries to address the strategic challenge of energy security amid geopolitical turmoil.
Algeria’s strategy to enhance gas production is thus aimed at solidifying its position as a key regional player. The country is not only focused on improving its fossil fuel output but is also voluntarily advancing in new and renewable energy sectors. This diversified approach aims to bolster Algeria’s standing on the global energy stage for decades to come.
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