The Nigerien government plans to launch topographic surveys for the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP) on its territory in early October. This operation aims to advance the realization of the Nigerien section of the project, which connects Nigeria to Algeria via Niger. According to Minister of Petroleum Hamadou Tini, Nigerien teams will be mobilized to determine and finalize the pipeline's route and conduct necessary topographic studies.
The announcement comes after a working visit by Algerian Minister of State for Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab to Niamey on September 21-22. Discussions focused on the progress of the TSGP and the need to accelerate the launch of topographic surveys on Nigerien territory. The Algerian section of the pipeline, spanning 700 km, is already under construction, with works launched on June 4 in Aoulef, Adrar province.
The TSGP project covers approximately 4,200 kilometers, stretching from Nigeria (1,037 km), through Niger (841 km), to Algeria (2,310 km). Only 1,641 km remain to be completed, including 100 km in Nigeria, 841 km in Niger, and 700 km in Algeria. An updated feasibility study was adopted by the three countries in June, marking a new stage in the project's preparation.
The pipeline is designed to transport 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Europe, with an estimated cost of $13 billion. Minister Hamadou Tini sees the TSGP as an infrastructure that should not be limited to gas transportation, but also contribute to the development of economic and industrial activities along its corridor.
Niamey aims to use the pipeline's passage to develop its gas market, support electricity production, and attract industrial activities. The Nigerien government plans to work with Algerian energy company Sonatrach to develop the sector, from exploration to transformation and commercialization. Minister Tini emphasized the desire for a strategic partnership with Algeria, citing complementary strengths between the two countries.
The cooperation between Niger and Algeria may extend to several projects, including Kafra and Bilma, as well as the Zinder refinery. Four exploration wells have been launched in Kafra with the participation of Sonatrach's subsidiary, ENAFOR. Niger also seeks to benefit from Algerian expertise for the next maintenance operation at the Zinder refinery, scheduled for 2027.
The partnership between Niger and Algeria will prioritize training and capacity building, with a focus on transferring skills to Nigerien engineers and technicians. This approach aligns with a memorandum of understanding between the two countries, which provides for cooperation in hydrocarbon development, expertise exchange, and technology transfer.
Key points
- Niger will start topographic surveys for the TSGP in early October to advance the project's realization.
- The TSGP project aims to transport 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year to Europe, with an estimated cost of $13 billion.
- Niger and Algeria plan to strengthen their energy cooperation, including training and capacity building for Nigerien engineers and technicians.
