Algeria will continue developing the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project through a realistic, coordinated and responsible approach that takes account of technical, commercial, security and financial requirements, State Minister for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab said Monday in Oran. He was speaking at the opening of the 14th Africa and Mediterranean Energy and Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference, NAPEC 2026.
Natural gas will remain an important part of the energy mix, Arkab said, citing its role in providing flexibility to energy systems and supporting industrial development. International forecasts point to continued demand for oil and gas over the coming decades, he added, making ongoing investment in the sector necessary alongside the development of clean energy and low-carbon technologies.
The minister called for a balanced energy mix that draws on different sources to meet rising demand, improve efficiency and reduce emissions. He said Sonatrach is placing greater emphasis on cutting emissions, improving energy efficiency and measuring climate performance. The company aims to end routine gas flaring by 2030 and bring methane emissions close to zero within the same timeframe.
Arkab said the pipeline project forms part of Algeria’s effort to strengthen its position as a regional energy hub connecting African resources with Mediterranean and European markets. It could also broaden access to energy and bring economic and social benefits to the countries along its route.
Technical and economic studies for the project have made significant progress, he said. Arkab recalled that work on the Algerian section began last June in the area of In Salah, in Adrar province, following the fifth ministerial meeting dedicated to the project.
Warren Murdoch, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Algeria, said shifts in the global energy market and the renewed priority given to energy security offered a strategic opportunity to strengthen energy ties between Algeria and the United States. He described Algeria as a strategically important destination for American investors, citing its energy potential, geographic position and ambition to develop the sector.
Murdoch noted that Algeria is a major gas producer and a supplier to the European market, and that American companies have maintained ties with Sonatrach for several decades. He said the country’s appeal to investors also rests on its energy resources, investment climate and conditions, strategic location, and the presence of a partner with clear ambitions for the sector. He also highlighted Algeria’s role as a link between Africa and Europe, supported by liquefied natural gas facilities and direct gas transport networks that align with changing European market needs.