Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi has continued his progression around North Africa, holding talks with top Algerian officials on April 3.
Descalzi held discussions with Algerian Prime Minister Aymen Benabderrahmane, Minister of Mines and Energy Mohamed Arkab and Sonatrach CEO Toufik Hakkar.
Discussions focused on the energy crisis and Algeria’s role. Eni is working to secure additional supplies for Italy. Descalzi and Hakkar focused on the issue of increasing short-term exports via the Transmed gas pipeline.
“Today’s meeting is testimony to the commitment made by Sonatrach and Eni to strengthen their partnership in Algeria, in line with a shared strategy of accelerated project development, and pursuing decarbonisation objectives as part of our commitment to achieve carbon neutrality in the long term,” said Descalzi.
Also on the agenda was talk around the development of new projects under a new contract on Berkine South. This came into force on March 6. First production is due to begin in July.
At Berkine South, Eni will fast track construction of a new hub in the region, with links to the existing MLE-CAFC projects in Block 405b. The project will provide a “significant increase in national production”.
Eni and Sonatrach have a “shared strategy of an accelerated time to market”, the statement said. It also highlighted the need for Sonatrach companies to carry out the work.
The two sides also discussed replacing gas with renewable energy.
Descalzi was in Egypt before, holding talks with top officials including Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The Egyptian talks also focused on additional supply into Europe, with a particular focus on LNG exports through the Damietta facility.