BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | October 14th, 2024 — In a major step towards advancing the global energy transition, Algeria’s energy giants Sonatrach and Sonelgaz have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with four prominent European companies—VNG (Germany), SNAM (Italy), Sea Corridor (Italy), and Verbund Green Hydrogen (Austria). This agreement, which focuses on green hydrogen production, represents a bold move to bolster Algeria’s role in supplying clean energy to Europe.
The signing ceremony took place at the Oran Convention Center on Monday, during the 12th edition of the North Africa Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (NAPEC), with the presence of high-level officials including Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab. Also in attendance were ministers of Vocational Training and Environment, the ambassadors of Italy, Germany, and Austria, as well as senior executives from the involved companies, including Sonatrach CEO Rachid Hachichi and Sonelgaz CEO Mourad Adjal.
The MoU outlines a joint initiative to conduct comprehensive studies aimed at evaluating the feasibility and profitability of a large-scale, integrated project for green hydrogen production in Algeria. This green hydrogen would be exported to European markets via the “SoutH2 Corridor,” a strategic infrastructure that will facilitate the delivery of clean energy to Europe, thereby reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“This agreement will allow all parties to assess the potential of implementing a multi-party integrated project that covers the entire value chain of green hydrogen, utilizing the SoutH2 Corridor,” said Sonatrach in an official statement. The SoutH2 Corridor is poised to play a pivotal role in Europe’s energy transition, supporting the shift to a low-carbon, sustainable economy by promoting renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen.
During the ceremony, Minister Arkab emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that it reflects Algeria’s growing commitment to clean energy solutions and its pivotal role as a strategic energy partner for Europe. “This project holds the potential to meet Europe’s increasing demand for green energy while further cementing Algeria’s position as a key energy supplier,” said the Minister.
The green hydrogen initiative is expected to strengthen Algeria’s leadership in the field of renewable energy while addressing Europe’s urgent need for clean, sustainable energy sources. With the growing demand for carbon-neutral technologies and the increasing focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this project is seen as a game-changer for both Algeria and Europe.
Representatives from the European companies also expressed optimism about the collaboration. Hans-Joachim Polk, member of the board of directors at VNG, praised the agreement as a significant milestone in the development of green hydrogen infrastructure. Sergio Molisani, Director of the International Division of SNAM, and Francesco Caria, CEO of Sea Corridor, highlighted the strategic importance of the SoutH2 Corridor in meeting Europe’s long-term energy needs. Franz Helm, Managing Director of Verbund Green Hydrogen, reiterated Austria’s commitment to advancing renewable energy technologies and fostering international cooperation.
This MoU signifies a new era of cooperation between Algeria and Europe in the fight against climate change, with the green hydrogen project poised to revolutionize energy production and distribution in both regions. The project will not only reduce Europe’s dependency on fossil fuels but also position Algeria as a global leader in renewable energy, further enhancing its economic and environmental sustainability.
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