Enabling Europe to tap into West Africa’s abundant natural gas supplies, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline is expected to boost exploration in The Republic of the Niger and expand its energy industry. With a length of 4,128km and an annual capacity of 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas, the Trans-Saharan Natural Gas Pipeline will link the Warri Region in southern Nigeria, passing through the Republic of the Niger, to the town of Hassi R’Mel in northern Algeria, from where it will connect to existing Trans-Mediterranean, Maghreb-Europe, Medgaz, and Galsi Pipelines, enabling Europe to tap into West Africa’s abundant natural gas reserves, and thus diversifying its supply and expanding critical revenue for West Africa’s oil and gas industry.
The development of the multi-billion-dollar pipeline began this year, following the signing of the Declaration of Niamey by the Republic of Niger’s Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Renewable Energy, H.E. Mahamane Sani Mahamadou; Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, H.E. Mohamed Arkab; and Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, H.E. Timipre Sylva during the third edition of the Economic Communities of West African States Mining and Petroleum Forum in the Republic of Niger’s capital city of Niamey on 16 February.
The Trans-Saharan Natural Gas Pipeline is being developed through a partnership between Nigeria’s national oil company (NOC), the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and Algeria’s NOC, Sonatrach – holding a combined share value of 90% – and the Government of the Republic of the Niger – which will hold the remaining 10%. With much of the estimated $13 billion investment being spent in The Republic of the Niger, and through which 841km will be constructed, the pipeline is expected to boost the energy sector of the landlocked, West African country, enabling it to monetize its vast natural gas resources and drive economic development. With an estimated 24 billion cubic meters of recoverable natural gas reserves in the country, the pipeline will allow the Republic of the Niger to boost its domestic gas supply and expand its petrochemical sector, serving to drive its agriculture industry, a major employer in the country.
Positioning the Republic of the Niger and the West African Region to benefit from its abundant natural resources, the Trans-Saharan Natural Gas Pipeline will serve as a major opportunity for public and private stakeholders across Africa, further facilitating the continent’s potential to operate its energy industry independently across the entire value chain.
“With developments such as these, Africa is truly positioning itself to benefit from its own resources, without becoming over reliant on other countries to develop its energy sector,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, adding, “Through investment into its own oil and gas industry, local companies will be able to boost project developments and position the continent as a net exporter of hydrocarbons, creating critical opportunities to further develop the industry and spur African growth.
Source: African Energy Chambers
