Algeria-EU

Algeria is one of EU's most reliable energy partners
ALGIERS-Algeria is one of the "most reliable" partners of the European Union (EU) in the field of energy and it is "natural" to turn to it when European energy markets are facing turbulence, said Tuesday in Algiers, the European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson.
The EU and Algeria can jointly strengthen their energy cooperation sustainably as gas is "the central link" of the energy partnership between the two parties, underlined Simson at the Algeria-EU Business Forum chaired by Prime Minister, Aimene Benaderrahmane.
Stressing that the European market is "still 90% dependent on gas imports", the European official welcomed the fact that Algeria is investing in new gas exploration and new production projects.
She also referred to the possibility of assisting Algeria to increase the volume of gas available for export by "recovering gas lost during flaring, venting or methane leaks.”
“The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, and I discussed yesterday the ways to further develop this cooperation. The EU is ready to contribute with its know-how,” she assured.
Moreover, the new Algeria-EU energy cooperation means "work beyond gas", according to Simson who spoke of potential cooperation in renewable energy and hydrogen.
 
Recalling that Algeria holds "one of the greatest solar energy potentials in the world", Simson said that "the EU is ready to help Algeria to fully exploit this potential.”
 
Algeria-EU agree on plan to implement scheduled energy projects
ALGIERS-Algeria and the European Union (EU) agreed on an action plan to implement the projects scheduled within the framework of bilateral energy cooperation, said Tuesday the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab.
"The two parties agreed on an action plan to implement the energy projects scheduled within the framework of bilateral cooperation, under a given timetable,” Arkab said in a statement to the press on the sidelines of the meetings of the Algeria-EU Business Forum on Energy.
The list of projects to be implemented within the framework of bilateral cooperation was set at the 4th annual high-level meeting on energy dialogue between Algeria and the EU, held Monday in Algiers, recalled the minister.
According to Arkab, the meeting was an opportunity to discuss the gas supply and the contracts signed with the EU, recalling that Algeria, which fulfills all its commitments, is a credible country.
The two sides discussed the terms of development of relations in the field of gas and prospecting, in addition to the consolidation of Algerian programs through Sonatrach group, he continued.
They also discussed Algeria's access to international and European electricity markets, as it is a country that produces electricity in large quantities and seeks to engage in export.
Particular emphasis was placed on the electrical interconnection project between Algeria and Europe via trans-Mediterranean high-voltage cables.
 
The meeting also focused on renewable energy as Algeria aims to produce 50% of electrical energy from renewable sources, assured Arkab.
 
Algeria, EU renew joint willingness to strengthen partnership in energy
ALGIERS-Algeria and the European Union (EU) renewed, during the 4th annual high-level meeting on energy dialogue, held Monday in Algiers, their common willingness to strengthen partnership relations in energy.
“The two parties have renewed their joint willingness to strengthen relations in energy, through the continuation of exchanges and consultations within the framework of expert working groups on natural gas and the prospects for the development of infrastructures and electricity, in particular electrical connection, new and renewable energy and the energy efficiency,” said Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, in a statement to the press after the meeting.
Arkab called on EU companies to “seize all opportunities” to develop the partnership with Algeria, through investments based on the “win-win” principle.   
The minister recalled that the 2nd Algeria-EU forum on energy would be organized on Tuesday, and would represent “concrete works, affirming the dynamics of this cooperation.”