Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline: an African dream that could reshape world energy markets
Key takeaways
- The pipeline, once completed, could fundamentally reshape Europe's energy map.
- The megaproject linking Nigeria with the two countries began with an initial construction phase in early April in Algeria's Adrar region.
- “This project is not at all new, but it’s ramping up,” said Brahim Oumansour, associate researcher at the Institute for International and Strategic Relations (IRIS).
Why this matters: an international story with cross-border implications worth tracking.
After two decades of delays, the colossal trans-Saharan gas megaproject to export Nigerian gas to Europe via Niger and Algeria is back in the spotlight with this month's announcement that construction of the Algerian section had rebegun. The pipeline, once completed, could fundamentally reshape Europe's energy map.
By: David RICH / Tahar HANI The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline will connect Algeria and Nigeria, two gas-producing powerhouses that together account for more than half of Africa's natural gas production and reserves. © AFP, STR After several false starts, work on the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) officially restarted in early June amid the recent thawing of relations between Niger and Algeria. The megaproject linking Nigeria with the two countries began with an initial construction phase in early April in Algeria's Adrar region.
Over 4,000 kilometres long, the pipeline will enable the transport of Nigerian gas through Niger and Algeria, where it can then be exported to European markets, namely through Italy and Spain by way of the Mediterranean Sea.