According to Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s energy minister, Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger have signed a memorandum of understanding to construct a natural gas pipeline over the Sahara Desert.
The three nations decided in June to reopen discussions about the project, which might give Europe an opportunity to diversify its gas suppliers.
After the signing ceremony, Arkab informed reporters that the three nations will keep talking to complete the project as soon as feasible.
An estimated $13 billion project, the Trans-Saharan pipeline may provide Europe with up to 30 billion cubic meters of gas annually.
Ennahar TV in Algeria reports that the pipeline is anticipated to be about 4,000 kilometres long. According to plans, it would originate in Warri, Nigeria, and conclude in Hassi R’Mel, Algeria, where it would join up with already-existing pipelines that lead to Europe.
Progress halted after the proposal was initially put up more than 40 years ago and after the countries signed an agreement in 2009.
In 2021, Algeria exported 54 billion m3 of gas, primarily to Spain and Italy. On July 18, Algeria and Italy have agreed on a deal worth $4bn and will see the North African country provide large quantities of natural gas.
Algeria has been Italy’s main source of gas since the Russian tension, and has supplied at least 14 billion cubic metres to the European nation since the invasion of Ukraine.
Algiers will add a further 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas to its supplies to Italy in what’s considered an acceleration of the reached arrangement.