Nigeria-Niger-Algeria Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: Algerian Minister Arkab Emphasizes Practicality Over Utopianism
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria’s Energy Minister, Mohamed Arkab, succinctly captured the essence of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) project in his remarks to the Spanish newspaper El Independiente, likening it to “turning on a tap.” This statement encapsulates the pragmatic advantage of the TSGP over the utopian Transatlantic Gas Pipeline envisioned by Morocco.
The TSGP, originating from Nigeria, is already in the implementation phase. With only 100 km remaining to be completed from Nigeria to Niger out of its 4000 km length, Algeria has expressed readiness to cover the 700 km stretch from Algeria to Niger, as affirmed by President Tebboune. Additionally, Minister Arkab highlighted during the 7th summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Algiers that the Nigerien segment spans 1000 km.
The TSGP boasts a capacity of up to 30 billion m3 per year to Europe, with a total estimated cost of $13 billion for the entire project.
Minister Mohamed Arkab emphasized the concreteness of the TSGP, with a significant portion (2200 km out of 4000 km) already a reality. “Our infrastructures are ready, and it’s about completing those in the two neighboring countries (Niger and Nigeria). Once done, delivering gas to the final customer in Madrid would be a matter of hours. As easy as turning on a tap,” explained Arkab.
In contrast, Morocco has been promoting a utopian project of a 7000 km Transatlantic Gas Pipeline since 2016, traversing 13 countries from Nigeria and costing much more than the announced $25 billion. Morocco aims to convince Nigeria to abandon the ongoing TSGP with Algeria in favor of transporting gas to Europe via a pipeline crossing West Africa through the Mauritanian and Western Saharan coasts before reaching the northern part of Morocco and ending in Cadiz, Spain.
However, the feasibility of the Moroccan project remains uncertain. Senegal’s accession to the Gas Exporting Countries Forum during the 7th summit in Algeria has dampened Moroccan hopes, as it is a key country through which Morocco’s envisioned gas pipeline would pass. Moreover, Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum Resources Ekperikpe Ekpo affirmed in Algiers the commitment of Nigeria to materialize the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline in collaboration with Algeria, emphasizing its significance in strengthening global gas supplies.
Morocco’s aspiration to convince Spain to join its Transatlantic Gas Pipeline project faces challenges. Algeria has maintained its position as Spain’s top gas supplier, accounting for 29.2% of the total received in 2023. Algeria also supplies 40% of Italy’s consumption. With an installation in the construction phase and a project fraught with technical and geopolitical obstacles, as highlighted by Baba Ahmed Moulay, Professor of Geopolitics and Water Resources at Alfonso X El Sabio University, there is no basis for competition.
Translated from: https://lalgerieaujourdhui.dz/gazoduc-transsaharien-nigeria-niger-algerie-arkab-met-en-avant-le-concret-face-a-lutopie/
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