In a significant development regarding the regional energy landscape, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has made his first comments concerning the Moroccan-Nigerian gas pipeline project, commonly referred to as the Atlantic Pipeline. This statement emerged during his regular interaction with local media, marking a rare occasion for direct commentary on a competing energy initiative.
President Tebboune expressed skepticism about the viability of alternative gas projects, particularly those intended to challenge Algeria's Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which is designed to transport Nigerian gas through Algeria to Europe. He stated that these competing projects face logical challenges that could impede their success. His remarks were captured by the specialized energy platform, indicating that the proposed Moroccan gas project traverses 14 countries, each entitled to a 5% share of the gas in exchange for transit rights. However, reports suggest that the actual number of countries involved in the Moroccan-Nigerian pipeline is 13, beginning from Nigeria and passing through several West African nations before reaching Morocco.
In contrast, the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, which only crosses Niger, is expected to export approximately 30 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe via Algeria. This disparity in routes highlights the strategic differences between the two projects.
The timing of Tebboune's comments coincides with Morocco's efforts to secure the necessary funding to initiate the Atlantic Pipeline project. Moroccan authorities have set an investment decision deadline for early 2025, as articulated by Amina Benkhadra, Director of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mining, during a recent interview. She indicated that the project aims to commence gas flow by late 2028, with an execution timeline of three years involving multiple sectors and phases.
During the press conference, President Tebboune also addressed broader energy sector issues, affirming that Algerian vessels are navigating the Strait of Hormuz without difficulties, emphasizing Algeria's commitment to a stable oil market devoid of reckless decisions. He reassured that Algeria is proactively managing the current challenges facing energy markets while maintaining a responsible approach to developments in the oil sector.
As reported by attaqa.net.
