Algeria and Norway Deepen Strategic Energy Partnership to Advance Hydrocarbon Decarbonisation
Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab and Norway’s ICA Finance explore expanding cooperation with Sonatrach on methane reduction, carbon capture and low-emission technologies, underscoring a shared approach that balances climate commitments with global energy security.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Algeria and Norway have moved to deepen their strategic cooperation on hydrocarbon decarbonisation, as both countries seek to strengthen collaboration on methane-emissions reduction, carbon capture technologies and low-carbon financing while maintaining energy security and market stability.
The initiative emerged during talks held on Monday between Algeria’s Minister of State and Minister of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, and Matthew Harwood, Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian investment firm ICA Finance, according to a statement issued by the ministry.
The meeting, attended by senior officials from Algeria’s energy sector, focused on expanding cooperation between Sonatrach and ICA Finance in areas related to greenhouse-gas mitigation, including methane-abatement technologies, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and financing mechanisms designed to support lower-carbon hydrocarbon production.
Balancing decarbonisation with energy security
According to the ministry, both sides expressed broad convergence on the need to reduce methane emissions while emphasising that international regulatory frameworks should be grounded in scientific evidence, take into account the specific circumstances of producing countries and preserve the stability of global energy markets and supplies.
The discussions reflect a growing international effort to reconcile climate objectives with energy security, particularly as hydrocarbon-producing countries seek pathways to lower emissions without disrupting global supply chains.
The meeting also explored opportunities to expand cooperation between Sonatrach and ICA Finance, which specialises in developing and financing methane- and CO₂-reduction projects for the oil and gas industry.
The discussions build on a memorandum of understanding signed by Sonatrach and ICA Finance in 2024 to explore cooperation in areas supporting greenhouse-gas emissions reduction and cleaner hydrocarbon production.
The latest exchanges signal a transition from broad cooperation frameworks towards identifying concrete projects capable of supporting Algeria’s longer-term decarbonisation agenda.
Algeria has increasingly positioned emissions reduction as a strategic component of its energy policy while maintaining its role as a reliable supplier of hydrocarbons to international markets.
Having ratified the Paris Agreement in 2016, the country has committed to reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by 7% by 2030 under its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), while simultaneously pursuing investments in cleaner production technologies.
During the meeting, Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation with Norway in the hydrocarbons sector, particularly through partnerships between companies from both countries.
He stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between Sonatrach and ICA Finance across areas of mutual interest, noting that Algeria and Norway share a common vision supporting international initiatives aimed at reducing methane emissions.
The minister also outlined Algeria’s national climate strategy for the hydrocarbons sector, which includes reducing routine gas flaring to below 1% by 2030, intensifying methane-emissions mitigation programmes, expanding carbon capture and storage projects, promoting circular-economy solutions and accelerating the deployment of innovative low-emission technologies.
The strategy also includes Sonatrach’s large-scale reforestation programme, which aims to plant 420 million trees as part of broader efforts to offset carbon emissions and support environmental sustainability.
For its part, ICA Finance expressed strong interest in expanding its presence in the Algerian market and supporting Sonatrach’s energy transition through innovative financing solutions, advanced emissions-reduction technologies and technical cooperation.
According to the ministry, Harwood welcomed the potential of Algeria’s hydrocarbons sector and praised the efforts undertaken by both Algeria and Sonatrach to reduce carbon emissions, reaffirming ICA Finance’s readiness to contribute through financing mechanisms, technology transfer and the exchange of expertise.
The meeting reflects Algeria’s broader strategy of leveraging international partnerships to modernise its hydrocarbons industry while advancing decarbonisation objectives, positioning emissions reduction and technological innovation as complementary pillars of its long-term energy policy rather than competing priorities.
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