Eni CEO, Claudio Descalzi, meets Algerian officials to boost natural gas production, discuss energy transition, and strengthen Eni’s presence in Algeria.
Claudio Descalzi, the CEO of Eni, recently held a meeting on October 12 with Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, and the newly appointed CEO of SONATRACH, Rachid Hachichi, in the capital city of Algiers. The discussions centered around crucial topics, including natural gas production and export, investment strategies within Algeria, and the pursuit of energy transition initiatives.
Eni and SONATRACH took the opportunity to exchange insights on collaborative projects aimed at enhancing Eni’s natural gas production, as well as the export of gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe.
During the meeting, Mr. Descalzi provided Minister Arkab with updates on the progress of Memoranda of Intent (MoI) signed by Eni and SONATRACH in January of this year. These MoIs, focused on upstream decarbonization efforts, have spurred several key activities.
This includes the detection and mitigation of fugitive gas emissions in pipelines and plants, as well as the identification of opportunities to reduce flaring in SONATRACH’s oil and natural gas fields. These initiatives align with the global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to these specific endeavors, both parties explored a wide range of energy transition initiatives. This encompassed discussions on renewable energy, hydrogen production, and the establishment of an electrical interconnector linking Algeria and Europe.
Eni’s history in Algeria dates back to 1981, and the company has maintained a strong presence in the country since. In 2023, Eni achieved an impressive equity production rate of approximately 130,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boed), solidifying its status as the most prominent international energy company operating within Algeria.
