Mario Draghi, Italy’s prime minister, has announced a big gas contract with Algeria, which will help his country lessen its dependency on Russian imports.
Increased supplies will be conducted through the Trans-med underwater pipeline, which connects Algeria and Italy via Tunisia, beginning this autumn.
Italy imports the great bulk of its natural gas, with Russia accounting for 40% of its supplies.
Draghi said his administration had inked a preliminary agreement on energy cooperation with Algeria while on a visit to the Algerian city, Algiers.
“Immediately after the invasion of Ukraine I announced that Italy would move with the utmost speed to reduce dependence from Russian gas.
“Today’s agreements are a significant response to this strategic goal. Others will follow,” he said.
Draghi said Italy was willing to engage with Algeria to promote renewable energy and green hydrogen as part of a bigger declaration of commitment.
Gas deliveries between Rome and Algiers were already covered by a contract that ran until 2027.