Algeria's Energy Future was launched at a half-day round-table seminar at Chatham House, London, on Wednesday 6 April.
The report was presented at the seminar by its lead authors, Jon Marks and John Hamilton, and critically assessed by Algerian and international experts. Read more
The African Energy Atlas has established itself as an indispensable resource for energy industry professionals.
The 2011 edition features more than 45 maps and charts drawn with expert care by journalist cartographer David Burles. Read more
Briefings and Reports 2
AfricaHardball is an executive dialogue that brings together policy-makers, industry leaders and analysts to discuss the key political issues affecting African markets in frank and open terms.
The next AfricaHardball roundtable will be held on 1 December in London, focusing on North Africa Read more
Briefings and Reports 3
A detailed and frank analysis of Libya’s energy sector
Published in July 2010, Libya's Energy Future provides authoritative, independently sourced analysis of Libya’s energy sector policy and history, examines the country’s governance and financial record and assesses the potential for international partners to do business with its institutions and interest groups.
On the page below you will find a selection of articles from the African Energy archive. All items preceded by a padlock symbol require a subscription.
Algeria energy maps - link to the Algeria page in the African Energy map library
Latest news
Algeria's Energy Future – African Energy's new report to be launched 6 April at Chatham House, London Read more
Algeria power update: Sonelgaz lines up big project flow as demand rises sharply
Responding to a dramatic increase in domestic demand for gas-fired electricity, the Sonelgaz Group is looking to build some 11GW of new power plants by 2020 – equivalent to current capacity – while also promoting a new renewables industry. African Energy’s new Algeria power update reflects plans to raise power capacity by 15,000MW by 2015 with a focus on generation schemes.
Algeria places heavy emphasis on industrial investment to underpin ambitious solar drive
The much-anticipated new renewables policy will push international partners to set up equipment manufacturing and other local operations as Algeria manoeuvres to exploit its resources and become a major player in emerging solar industries, writes Jon Marks
Cegelec has won a tender to build Algeria’s first wind farm. Sonelgaz said on 13 December that the French electrical engineering company had offered to invest €23m ($31m) in the 10MW project on 30ha in Kabertene, near the south-western city of Adrar.
Creg eyes rise in electricity consumption, but downplays pressures on gas reserves
Electricity production and consumption are projected to rise sharply in Creg’s latest forecast, pointing to a further spate of new-build, predominantly gas-fired power plants being ordered in the next decade. Even so, the Algerian regulator is projecting a slower increase in gas demand than was previously forecast, writes John Hamilton Issue 194, 24 September 2010. more
Sonelgaz bail-out shows how state solutions still predominate
Recent events at state utility Sonelgaz Holding seem to point to the limits of radical thinking on major Algerian energy sector problems. Issue 192, 6 August 2010.more
Sonatrach forecasts confirm gas field declines as Algeria confronts difficult political future
The publication of Algeria’s Energy Future brings data into the public domain that show how Sonatrach expects gas output to decline, adding to pressures to develop non-conventional reserves, as well as the underperforming non-hydrocarbons economy. Critical decisions on politics and economic policy must be taken now if Algeria is to successfully confront a series of critical challenges, the African Energy report’s launch seminar concluded
Another licensing round has disappointed, with Agence Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources en Hydrocarbures (Alnaft) on 17 March awarding only two out of ten oil and gas permits on offer. Spain’s Cepsa was the sole international company to win a contract. The other licence was awarded to state company Sonatrach. Both contracts are in the Berkine Basin.
Energy and mines minister Youcef Yousfi has confirmed reports that BP has decided not to sell its equity in major producing assets in Algeria (AE 202/4).
Sonatrach will maintain its exploration activities in Libya despite the crisis there, energy and mines minister Youcef Yousfi told Algiers daily El Khabar on 12 March.
To no great industry surprise, state energy giant Sonatrach has told companies that the submission of bids for Algeria’s latest licensing round – the third to be under the control of regulator Agence Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources en Hydrocarbures (Alnaft) – has been delayed from 3 March until at least 17 March.
South-west and Berkine Basin contracts inch forward
The Council of Ministers on 3 February reviewed a host of measures related both to the recent unrest in the country and also to economic development. Among the dozens of decisions came the approval of four presidential decrees on oil and gas exploration. Issue 203, 18 February 2011. more
As Algeria awaits new policy directives, Sonatrach clears the decks for return to action
While the government quietly accelerates reforms to counter pressures that have exploded in Tunisia and Egypt, the state energy giant is preparing new management structures that should speed implementation of major projects. Officials know they must raise their game to attract investment and create jobs, writes Jon Marks in Algiers Issue 202, 4 February 2011.more
South-west ready to blossom when Sonatrach says so
International oil companies (IOCs) are hoping the changes promised across the energy sector will accelerate decision-making on key projects that will turn south-west Algeria into a major new gas hub. Issue 202, 4 February 2011.more
El Merk on stream from Q2 2012
Sonatrach expects more production from the south-east of the country, allowing it to further raise overall hydrocarbons production.
With North African governments revising their policies in the wake of the region’s political convulsions, a visit to Algeria by Moroccan energy, mines, water and environment minister Amina Benkhadra raised the prospect that the kingdom might increase liftings of Algerian gas via a new pipeline from Hassi R’Mel, and develop a range of other projects, helping to relaunch the moribund Maghreb unity agenda.
Biggest EIB loan for Med energy goes to Medgaz pipeline
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed agreements for a E500m ($718m) loan to the Medgaz project company for the construction of a gas pipeline between Algeria and Spain.
Algiers and Rome put Galsi pipeline back on the agenda
Despite being written off by some commentators, who have questioned its commerciality, the planned Galsi pipeline, to take gas from eastern Algeria via Sardinia to central Italy, is going ahead after several long delays.
Fall in gas output raises fears of Algerian export squeeze
A sharp decline in gas production and exports has reignited fears about the health of reserves and Algeria’s failure to find any major new deposits in recent years, writes John Hamilton Issue 197, 5 November 2010.more
Defeated Spain talks again on gas price
Spain’s industry, tourism and trade minister Miguel Sebastián met energy and mines minister Youcef Yousfi on 18 October to discuss the Medgaz pipeline, and the price at which Algerian gas will be sold in Spain. Issue 197, 5 November 2010.more
Refinery strategy under review
As well as studying planned petrochemical projects that may use too much gas, Algeria faces difficult decisions over its refining policy Issue 197, 5 November 2010.more
Technip gets Algiers refinery contract, Saipem moves ahead with LPG order
Sonatrach has started awarding contracts for key projects again after a year of paralysis caused by corruption investigations and management changes Issue 195, 8 October 2010.more
With North African governments revising their policies in the wake of the region’s political convulsions, a visit to Algeria by Moroccan energy, mines, water and environment minister Amina Benkhadra raised the prospect that the kingdom might increase liftings of Algerian gas via a new pipeline from Hassi R’Mel, and develop a range of other projects, helping to relaunch the moribund Maghreb unity agenda.
As Algeria awaits new policy directives, Sonatrach clears the decks for return to action
While the government quietly accelerates reforms to counter pressures that have exploded in Tunisia and Egypt, the state energy giant is preparing new management structures that should speed implementation of major projects. Officials know they must raise their game to attract investment and create jobs, writes Jon Marks in Algiers Issue 202, 4 February 2011.more
Where a reinvigorated Egypt leads, other Arab states may follow
Tunisia’s Jasmine revolution, which drove Zine El Abidine Ben Ali into exile in Saudi Arabia on 13 January, was the unexpected trigger that has made Arab populations wake up after decades of submission to personalised, autocratic regimes. But it is events in Egypt that will drive how the ‘Arab street’ and those who seek to dominate it assess their next moves in this pivotal moment for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena).
Sonatrach banishes corrupt legacy with new ethics code
State energy giant Sonatrach has established a powerful ethics committee to enforce a new code of conduct which was published in English and French on its website on 25 November.
London has enjoyed close security co-operation with Algiers and Tripoli for some time, but the relationship is now more overt and ministerial attention more focused. Issue 198, 19 November 2010.more
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