Algeria: Shale Gas Should ‘Complement’ Energy Mix, Says Former Sonatrach CEO

Algiers — The shale gas in Algeria must have a long-term position as a complementary resource in the national energy mix and should in no way be considered as “source of revenue,” export Abdelmajid Attar told APS.

For the former CEO of Sonatrach, any technical and cost effective confirmation of shale gas in the next five years would not allow the exploitation only after ten to fifteen years.

This production must meet the internal needs of the country and not serve to increase revenues,” he said, insisting that this gas is considered as” partial alternative and complement to the country’s energy security beyond 2030.”

Currently, he insists, Algeria is only in the exploration stage, that is to say, the evaluation phase of the recoverable potential if the currently existing techniques allow extraction without risks.

In this regard, he believes that it is a “compulsory phase” before considering any exploitation that requires an authorization from the Council of Ministers in accordance with Article 23a of the Hydrocarbons Law.

Countries such as China, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Spain, South Africa and even Saudi Arabia are also in the exploration phase of their shale gas reserves, he said, arguing that it is crucial for the energy security of each of these countries in the short to medium term.

“In ten years, concern will grow over the problem of energy security in Algeria, given the growth in domestic consumption,” he stressed, noting that the government is facing a “big challenge” which is setting up an energy model including priority investment in renewable energy, boosting an energy saving program and preservation of a minimum revenue to fund a new wealth-generating economy

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