Algeria has begun construction of its section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), which is intended to connect Nigeria's gas fields to the European market through the territories of Niger and Algeria. This was reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, according to UNN.
Details
Construction work started in the Adrar province in southern Algeria. The solemn ceremony was attended by representatives of Algeria, Nigeria, and Niger, as well as the management of the state energy companies Sonatrach, Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and SONIDEP.
As noted by the SZRU (Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine), the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project has been discussed since the 1970s; however, for a long time, its implementation was hindered by high costs, security risks, and the complexity of coordination between the three countries. The project received a new impetus after 2022, when the European Union began actively seeking alternative sources of gas supply due to the reduction of Russian exports.
The pipeline route will begin in the Warri region in southern Nigeria, pass through Niger, and terminate at the Algerian gas hub of Hassi R'Mel. The total length of the pipeline will be approximately 4,128 kilometers, and its design capacity will reach 30 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
The Algerian section will have a length of about 1,210 kilometers. Subsequently, the gas will be transported to Europe via the Algerian gas transmission system, Mediterranean terminals, and existing pipelines.
The Foreign Intelligence Service notes that Niger plans to begin construction of its part of the pipeline in 2027.
It is expected that Nigeria will gain a new overland route for gas supply to Europe, Niger will gain the status of an important transit state and additional revenue from infrastructure, and Algeria will strengthen its position as one of the key gas suppliers to the EU. Currently, the country provides about 12% of European blue fuel imports.
The SZRU emphasizes that the start of construction coincides with the European Union's plans to completely phase out Russian gas. According to current decisions in Brussels, the ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas is set to take effect from the beginning of 2027, and for pipeline gas—in the fall of the same year.