The 14th edition of the North Africa Energy and Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference (NAPEC 2026) has witnessed significant developments in Algeria's energy sector. Two study agreements were signed between the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT) and a Vietnamese oil and gas exploration and production company. These agreements aim to assess opportunities for improving hydrocarbon recovery at the Bir Aïssa and Rhourde El Baguel fields in the Berkine Basin in southeastern Algeria.
The agreements, which will run for 12 months, focus on evaluating the technical potential for increasing hydrocarbon recovery rates at the two fields. The studies will involve analyzing available data and examining reservoir behavior to optimize the exploitation of discovered resources and improve overall recovery rates. This move is expected to enhance Algeria's hydrocarbon production and contribute to the country's energy sector growth.
The agreements were signed in the presence of ALNAFT Director General Abdelkader Cherfaoui and Vietnam’s Ambassador to Algeria, Phuc Duy Long. The Vietnamese diplomat described the agreements as a concrete step toward strengthening cooperation between Vietnamese and Algerian companies in the hydrocarbon sector. He emphasized that Algeria is an important partner for Vietnam in Africa, offering significant opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.
The event also highlighted growing interest from the United Kingdom and the European Union in expanding cooperation and investment in Algeria’s energy sector. The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Algeria, James Downer, noted that the investment environment offered by Algeria’s energy sector is attracting growing interest from British companies and business groups. He stressed the importance of establishing long-term partnerships between Algerian and British companies based on technology and expertise transfer.
Downer also mentioned that British companies, including Clarke Energy, are prepared to contribute to the development of Algeria’s energy resources, clean energy sector, and energy transition. This interest from British companies is expected to contribute to the growth and development of Algeria's energy sector. The UK's involvement could bring new technologies and expertise to the sector.
The European Union's Ambassador and Head of the Delegation in Algeria, Diego Mellado Pascua, underscored the strategic importance of the energy partnership between Algeria and the European Union. He described Algeria as a “reliable, strong and strategic partner” for Europe, particularly in the field of gas supplies. Mellado Pascua noted that geopolitical developments and changes in the gas market have strengthened Algeria’s position in European energy security.
NAPEC 2026, being held from October 5 to 7, has brought together more than 450 exhibitors and 230 speakers, including officials and energy experts. Participants are discussing the future of the energy mix, security of supply, decarbonization, and the development of hydrogen technologies. The event has attracted international participation, including companies from China, Italy, and several other countries.
Key points
- Algeria signs study agreements with Vietnamese company to boost hydrocarbon recovery.
- UK and EU express interest in expanding cooperation and investment in Algeria's energy sector.
- NAPEC 2026 brings together hundreds of energy experts to discuss future energy trends.
