The Algerian province of Béjaïa is set to benefit from a major boost in its gas infrastructure, with all stalled projects now relunched. Cherif Zeghoud, CEO of the Algerian company responsible for managing the gas transport network, GRTG, made the announcement on Thursday. He was speaking at a working meeting focused on the energy sector, attended by local authorities and high-ranking officials from national energy companies.
A total of 23 communes in Béjaïa had previously benefited from a program to connect to the natural gas network, with work starting in 2011. However, the projects were put on hold due to a lack of financing. According to Zeghoud, the public authorities have now resolved the financing issue, and the projects are being revived in areas where work had stopped.
The Algerian state has allocated 9,000 billion centimes for the implementation of all natural gas supply projects across several communes in Béjaïa. One of the key projects involves connecting communes on the west side of the province, including Béni Ksila, Adekar, and Tifra, to a 16-inch gas pipeline starting from Fréha in Tizi Ouzou province. Work on this project has already begun in Fréha and is expected to start soon in Béjaïa.
The 16-inch gas pipeline project in Béjaïa has been entrusted to the national company Kanaghaz, which specializes in pipeline construction. Two other companies will support Kanaghaz to accelerate the pace and reduce implementation delays. Once completed, the project will connect 13,260 homes to the natural gas network.
In addition to the west side communes, the municipalities of Derguina and Taskriout, located in the east of the province, will also benefit from the gas connection. An envelope has been allocated for a technical study to connect these areas to the gas network from the same pressure reduction station.
The realization of these projects depends on the absence of citizen opposition, according to Zeghoud. He expressed hope that there will be no opposition this time, which could delay the project. Currently, the penetration rate of natural gas in Béjaïa is 75%, and it is expected to reach 95% once the projects are completed.
Meanwhile, local authorities have recently commissioned the natural gas supply for nearly 500 homes in the village of Ibourayen, in the commune of Tifra. Over 4,000 other homes in the same commune will also be connected to the natural gas network in the coming months. Three new electrical substations are also planned to address the growing energy needs in the province.
Key points
- Over 23 communes in Béjaïa to benefit from natural gas connection project
- 9,000 billion centimes allocated for natural gas supply projects in Béjaïa
- 13,260 homes to be connected to natural gas network in Béjaïa province
