Equinor extends Algerian presence beyond 2027
Norwegian state-controlled energy company Equinor is to stay longer than agreed in Algeria, where it produces gas for export in the provinces of In Salah and In Amenas, state Sonatrach said September 6. Equinor's current contracts end in 2027 but the company held talks on further work together in May this year. They signed a memorandum of understanding that looked at further co-operation in Algeria and overseas.
Anders Opedal visited his counterpart in Algiers, Toufik Hakkar, September 5 for his first overseas trip since his appointment as CEO and the two discussed their partnership in the gas production sphere and prospects for co-operation. There was no similar statement on the Equinor website however.
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Sonatrach said the two projects "should be extended beyond the term of the current contracts which end in 2027.” They also discussed how best to limit the impact of the hydrocarbon industry on the environment; the development of blue hydrogen; and the reduction of CO2 emissions.
Equinor has been present in Algeria since 2004, following a deal with UK major BP the year before. It is a partner with Sonatrach and BP in the fields in operation at In Salah and In Amenas. Equinor is also a partner of Sonatrach on the Timissit exploration perimeter.
Sonatrach exports gas as LNG and by pipeline to Italy and Spain. Earlier this month Sonatrach said that the expansion of the 8bn m³ Medgaz line to Spain was on course to reach 10.5bn m³/yr in November, with the completion of a fourth compressor unit. The pace of work is "advancing considerably," the company said.