Algeria restarts construction on Trans-Saharan gas pipeline section

Construction on the Algerian section of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline restarted in early June, according to France 24. The 4,128-kilometre project is designed to carry Nigerian natural gas through Niger and Algeria for export to European markets via existing pipelines to Italy and Spain.

The pipeline route runs 1,000 kilometres in Nigeria, 840 kilometres in Niger, and 2,300 kilometres in Algeria. Officials from the three countries attended a June 4 ceremony in Algeria's Aoulef region to mark the restart of work on the Algerian segment.

Algeria signed an initial agreement in 2009 with a target delivery date of 2015. The project was revived in 2022 after a memorandum of understanding was signed in Algiers. Algerian political scientist Hasni Abidi said feasibility studies and financing arrangements took years to complete.

He noted that Niger lacked the financial resources required for construction. Diplomatic tensions, including those following Niger's 2003 coup, contributed to earlier delays. In mid-February, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune hosted Niger's junta leader Abdourahamane Tiani in Algiers, after which both sides announced renewed cooperation.

Capacity and timeline The pipeline is planned to transport about 30 billion cubic metres of gas per year, equal to roughly 11 percent of Europe's 2025 natural gas imports. Some gas will be liquefied at Algerian terminals in Arzew and Skikda for shipment. Nigeria is scheduled to begin construction on its section in early 2027. The overall project aims for completion by 2029.

Cost and security concerns Estimated costs have risen from $13 billion in 2009 to around $20 billion, driven by higher raw-material prices and desert terrain. Participating governments have not released an updated budget. Security risks remain in northern Nigeria and Niger, where armed groups operate. Financing from African and international banks has been discussed but not confirmed.