at the gates of winter, the European Union is seeking to curb its reliance on Russian gas by strengthening ties with Algeria. European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson and Algeria’s energy minister Mohamed Arkab agreed on Monday to deepen cooperation, aiming to expand the volume of gas available for export to Europe. The EU delegation, speaking through the commissioner, highlighted the ongoing High Level Energy Meeting in the capital of Algeria as a turning point for energy collaboration between the two regions.
Both sides aim to capitalize on a potential rise in Algerian gas exports to Europe. Simson explained that this increase could be supported by European companies operating in Algeria, underscoring a mutually beneficial partnership. He noted that Algeria has long been a dependable gas supplier and that Europe remains its principal market.
The meeting also included a pledge from the EU to mobilize substantial financing for renewable energy projects. Simson asserted that Algeria holds the potential to become a global leader in renewable energy production.
During his visit, Simson met with several European firms working in Algeria, including Spanish operators. His agenda included delivering the opening speech at the Algeria-EU Energy Business Forum, signaling a broader push to integrate European energy interests with Algerian capabilities.
increased production
On the same Monday, Sonatrach, the Algerian state energy company, announced plans to boost production. The expansion involves two southern gas and oil deposits operated in partnership with the Italian company ENI.
Estimates place the new output at around two million cubic meters per day by year’s end, more than doubling current production. The company stated that higher output will support greater Algerian gas exports to the European market.
The push to augment supply comes as Europe faces an energy squeeze tied to the Ukraine conflict, driving interest in new gas sources. French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne also visited Algeria on Monday to participate in the France-Algeria Business Forum and reinforce bilateral ties.
Spain-Algeria crisis
Algeria has historically been Spain’s key gas supplier, though recent developments have altered this dynamic. At the end of 2021, Algeria reduced gas shipments through one of the pipelines linking the two countries, cutting the line that passed through Morocco amid diplomatic tensions with Rabat. Following this decision, Algeria pledged to continue supplying Spain through the remaining pipelines and LNG facilities.
For a year, Madrid and Algiers have navigated a delicate phase marked by the suspension of a friendship agreement by Algeria in June, in response to changes in Spain’s stance on Western Sahara. Beyond the diplomatic strains, gas shipments did continue. Recently, the Spanish company Naturgy signed an agreement with Sonatrach to review supply terms and prices for the coming year, illustrating how market dynamics persist despite political frictions.
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