Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger have signed new agreements to accelerate the development of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), which will transport gas from West Africa to Europe.
The 4,128-kilometre pipeline will run from Nigeria, through Niger, and into Algeria. From Algeria, the gas can be sent to Europe via the Transmed pipeline to Italy or shipped as liquefied natural gas (LNG).
The three countries finalized contracts on Tuesday in Algiers, focusing on an updated feasibility study and other key project elements, including non-disclosure agreements between their state-owned energy companies.
The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), announced in 2009, would transport billions of cubic metres of gas 4,128 kilometres (2,565 miles) from Nigeria in West Africa through Niger and on to Algeria.
READ ALSO: National grid has collapsed again
From there it could be pumped through the undersea Mediterranean pipeline Transmed to Italy, or loaded onto liquefied natural gas tankers for export.
At a meeting of ministers for the project in Algiers, the three countries signed contracts on “an update of the feasibility study” and other issues, including non-disclosure agreements among their state energy companies.
The feasibility update will lay out the “required means for accelerating the development of this major project in a timely manner and at competitive costs”, Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said.
Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab said the study would outline the steps needed to complete the project efficiently and at competitive costs.
The pipeline, originally estimated at $10 billion, has gained renewed urgency due to the global increase in gas demand and rising prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
