Name? Abdelmadjid Tebboune
Westphalian identity? Algerian
Age? 76
Why is he in the news? President Tebboune of Algeria’s Energy Minister, Mohamed Arkab, noted the new progress with the Trans-Sahara gas pipeline, in a meeting in Abuja with delegates from Niger and Nigeria. The pipeline is expected to cost around $13 billion and have an annual capacity of 30 billion cubic metres of natural gas connecting the three parties and Europe.
Why do we care? Due to the Ukraine crisis, Europe is seeking new sources of natural gas following sanctions, aiming to phase out its dependence on Russian energy. However, for Tebboune, the pipeline is another move to secure Algeria’s spot as a viable gas producer for Europe. Tebboune is not capable of completely replacing Russia as a gas supplier, but this pipeline will allow Algeria to at least boost its reputation as an alternative for Europe.
Why should you care? Arkab stated that the project will allow Algeria and the partnering countries to use the pipeline’s revenue to achieve carbon neutrality in the long run. Meanwhile, Tebboune’s objectives to be a reliable gas supplier will likely be achieved through the additional pipeline. The pipeline will allow Europe to have an additional gas supplier, primarily through Spain, which has been an objective for the Union since the beginning of the Ukraine invasion. You should care 7/10 about more gas for Europe.
Who else cares? King Mohamed VI of Morocco is sure to care about the recent developments of the pipeline due to the ‘cold war’ between Morocco and Algeria. Last year, Tebboune ended the transport of gas through Morocco towards Europe to disrupt Morocco’s export capacity. Though with the new deal, King Mohammed must recognize Algeria’s improving role as a gas exporter.
Any further comments? The Transsaharan pipeline is not a new idea, its conception was being speculated in the 1970s. However, the tripartite agreement was only made official in 2009 with no progress made, until now.
