WintershallDea and Sonatrach have expanded their Memorandum of Understanding, originally signed in August 2020. This is in continuation to explore new opportunities in Algeria in the field of gas production and low-carbon energy solutionsThe MOU now sets a basis for the company to consider new business opportunities in Algeria, not just in natural gas but also in hydrogen and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).

“Our MOU enables us to identify new natural gas projects in close cooperation with our partner Sonatrach and to further develop our Algerian business in the field of new energy,”Dawn Summers, Chief Operating Officer und responsible board member for Middle East and Northern Africa, said.

In August 2020, WintershallDea and Sonatrach had agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding with effect from 1 July. The two parties have been working closely together on the Reggane Nord project since WintershallDea entered the market in 2002. The Reggane Nord project comprises six gas fields over an extensive area of 1,800 km2 in the southwest of the Sahara Desert. In 2017, the Groupement Reggane Nord (GRN), comprising WintershallDea (19.5%), Sonatrach (40%), Repsol (29.25%) and Edison (11.25%), celebrated first gas.  

Algeria is Africa’s largest natural gas producer, and the third largest exporter of gas to Europe. The country is a natural partner for Europe to achieve the ambitious goals of the energy transition while ensuring security of supply. As Europe’s leading independent gas and oil company, WintershallDea sees a strong role for natural gas as the most climate-friendly conventional energy source, and is also investing in climate-friendly hydrogen and CCS projects as part of its Energy Transition Pathway.