Algerian energy company Somiz, a subsidiary of state-owned Sonatrach, aims to expand its operations in Italy by becoming a service provider for the Augusta refinery in Sicily. This goal was discussed at the "La Méthode Mattei 2026" international forum in Rome, which focused on energy security and industrial transition in the Mediterranean. Somiz CEO Yazid Kemmoum presented the company's international ambitions and development strategy for 2030.
Somiz, established in 1991, specializes in industrial maintenance, engineering, and modernization of facilities, with expertise in mechanics, electricity, instrumentation, and EPC projects. The company plans to leverage its experience within Sonatrach to access new markets and become an integrated industrial operator offering various services, including engineering, construction, and maintenance, through partnerships with local and foreign firms.
The Augusta refinery, owned by Sonatrach through its Italian subsidiary Sonatrach Raffineria Italiana (SRI), is a potential growth area for Somiz. Initial contacts between the companies date back to 2023, when SRI officials visited Somiz's Arzew complex. This led to an evaluation of Somiz's technical capabilities and work procedures, followed by a pre-qualification process to become an approved supplier for the refinery.
Sonatrach has a significant presence in Italy, including three petroleum product storage facilities in Augusta, Naples, and Palermo. In January 2024, Italian authorities approved a €70 million investment to modernize the Augusta site, focusing on energy efficiency, electrification, and wastewater reuse. The project aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by at least 25,000 tons annually and save 2.5-3 million cubic meters of water per year.
The Rome forum also explored cooperation opportunities in energy and industry between North Africa and Europe. Discussions centered on natural gas as a cleaner energy source for industrial processes, replacing coal and fuel oil. One proposed idea involves installing direct iron ore reduction units near African extraction sites, potentially using natural gas and low-emission hydrogen.
The biofuels sector was another topic of discussion, with US company Cargill expressing interest in developing supply chains for bio-based raw materials between Africa and Europe. This could involve cooperation with Sonatrach to supply used oils for co-processing in refineries or providing biofuels for bunkering in ports to support maritime companies seeking to reduce emissions.
While these proposals are promising, no commercial agreements or specific investments were announced during the forum. Somiz's potential integration into the Augusta refinery's supplier network remains a key development to watch, as the company seeks to expand its international presence and Sonatrach continues to strengthen its industrial footprint in Italy.
Key points
- Somiz aims to become a service provider for the Augusta refinery in Sicily.
- The company plans to leverage its experience within Sonatrach to access new markets.
- The Augusta refinery is owned by Sonatrach through its Italian subsidiary Sonatrach Raffineria Italiana (SRI).
