Sonatrach, the Algerian state energy company and LNG producer, has signed an accord with French major TotalEnergies to expand cooperation in the exploration and production of natural gas and in the LNG business.
The Sonatrach-TotalEnergies memorandum of understanding outlines the realisation of a work programme for the appraisal and development of natural gas resources in the Northeast Timimoun region.
The accord includes synergies with existing processing facilities for production from the Timimoun field to reduce costs and emissions.
Sonatrach and TotalEnergies plan to “consolidate their partnership and expand their cooperation” in their gas resources and LNG business.
Sonatrach added that the accord “defines the framework of cooperation between the parties” with the objective of concluding a hydrocarbon contract in the identified area of interest.
Interests
TotalEnergies is active in oil and gas exploration and production through its interests in the Tin Fouyé Tabankort and Timimoun gas fields, the Berkine Basin oil fields (Blocks 404a and 208) and via LNG supply contracts with Sonatrach.
“Sonatrach and TotalEnergies operate, within the framework of association contracts, the contractual areas of TFT II, TFT Sud, Timimoun and Berkine,” the statement noted.
These are among the largest gas fields Algeria and located in the prolific Illizi-Ghadames Basin.
Total and Sonatrach are also advancing with their petrochemical project development for Western Algeria.
“This memorandum of understanding reflects our shared willingness to expand our strategic partnership with Sonatrach,” explained Julien Pouget, Senior Vice President Middle East and North Africa, Exploration and Production at TotalEnergies.
Sonatrach and TotalEnergies earlier in 2023 extended their cooperation in the LNG sector with a new contract.
In 2025, Sonatrach will thus be delivering 2 million tonnes per annum of LNG to TotalEnergies at the LNG importer terminal at Fos-Cavaou, west of Marseille.
Energy security
“This will contribute directly to the security of energy supply in France and Europe,” the statement added.
Algerian LNG exports have been recovering from a low ebb and increased by almost 9 percent to 13.45 million tonnes in 2023 from 12.40MT in the previous year from the Arzew and Skikda liquefaction plants on the Mediterranean Coast.
Algeria is also a main pipeline natural gas supplier to Europe via Trans-Mediterranean pipelines supplying Italy as well as Spain and Portugal. (April 9, 2024)
ALGERIA - FRANCE - LNG - PRODUCTION - SUPPLY IMPORT EXPORT