Nigerian Energy Minister Ekperikpe Ekpo (from left to right) with his counterparts Mohamed Arkab from Algeria and Hamadou Tini from Niger: The three countries are pushing ahead with the construction of the Trans-Saharan pipeline.Image: keystone
In the future, 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas will flow from Africa to Europe every year. The mega Trans-Saharan pipeline construction project began in Algeria.
June 6, 2026, 10:55 p.mJune 6, 2026, 11:09 p.m
Simon Cleven / t-online
Algeria has begun construction of its own section of the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. The state energy company Sonatrach announced this at a ceremony in the southwest Algerian region of Aoulef on Thursday. Once completed, the pipeline is expected to deliver up to 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually from Nigeria to Europe via Niger and Algeria.
Algeria’s Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab and representatives from Nigeria and Niger came together to mark the official start of construction. The first welding work on the line was inaugurated. The section that has now begun in Algeria is around 1,210 kilometers long and runs from the border with Niger to Aoulef. It will be connected to the country’s existing gas network. The gas later travels via this network to the Hassi R’Mel field, the largest natural gas reserve in Africa, and from there on to Europe.
The Trans-Sahara pipeline is one of the largest energy projects on the continent. In total, it will stretch around 4,128 kilometers through Nigeria, Niger and Algeria. The cost is estimated at about $13 billion. The idea for the project dates back to the 1970s, but was delayed for decades by financing problems and safety concerns.
Europe is looking for new gas sources
For Europe, the project is becoming increasingly important in light of the energy policy of recent years. Since the Russian attack on Ukraine in 2022, the European Union has sought to reduce its dependence on Russian energy supplies. At the same time, recent tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have sparked discussion alternative delivery routes reinvigorated.
Algeria is already one of Europe’s most important gas suppliers. According to industry information, the North African country recently covered around 13 to 14 percent of the European Union’s gas imports. The most important customers include Spain, Italy and France.
Niger is also pushing ahead with the project. Nigerien Petroleum Minister Hamadou Tini announced that construction work on the approximately 720 kilometer long section of his country should begin in early 2027. The project will have significant economic and social impacts along the route, he said.
The construction project of the Trans-Sahara pipeline: The gas pipeline is to extend over 4,000 kilometers through Nigeria, Niger and Algeria.Image: www.imago-images.de
Experts generally see great potential in Africa for Europe’s efforts to achieve broader energy supplies. In addition to the Trans-Sahara pipeline, a second large gas connection is currently being discussed. The planned Nigeria-Morocco pipeline will run along the Atlantic coast and also bring gas to Europe.
However, experts point out that new delivery routes do not automatically eliminate all risks. Political tensions in North Africa, security problems in parts of West Africa and the long-term financing of large infrastructure projects continue to pose challenges. Nevertheless, the start of construction in Algeria marks an important step for a project that has been waiting to be implemented for decades.
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