NAPEC 2024: Minister Arkab holds talks with delegations from global energy companies
ORAN – The Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, held discussions in Oran with delegations from several global energy companies on the sidelines of the opening of the 12th edition of the “Africa & Mediterranean Energy & Hydrogen Exhibition and Conference (NAPEC 2024),” according to a statement from the ministry.
On Monday morning, at the Mohamed Benahmed Convention Center in Oran, minister Arkab met with a delegation from the American oil and gas company “ExxonMobil,” led by its Vice President for Research and Exploration, John Ardill. They discussed partnership and investment opportunities, in addition to the ongoing consultations with Sonatrach to develop hydrocarbons, particularly in the upstream oil and gas sector.
The President of the National Agency for Hydraulic Resources (ANRH), the CEOs of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, as well as sector officials, were present in the meeting, which also addressed cooperation relations, expertise exchange, and know-how transfer.
Additionally, the Minister held talks with a delegation from the British company “Harbour Energy,” led by the Vice President for North Africa and the Middle East, Sameh Sabry. They discussed opportunities for cooperation and investment in the energy sector, particularly the company’s intention to strengthen its presence in Algeria, especially in hydrocarbon exploration, natural gas field development, and cooperation with Sonatrach.
Both parties also explored opportunities for collaboration and significant investment in the petroleum and gas industries, as well as in reducing emissions, carbon capture and storage, and lowering the carbon footprint, according to the ministry’s statement.
Ahead of the “NAPEC 2024” opening, Arkab also met with a delegation from the Norwegian group “Equinor,” accompanied by the Norwegian Ambassador to Algeria, Therese Loken Gheziel.
The Minister also held discussions with a delegation from the Spanish energy company “CEPSA,” led by its CEO, Maarten Wetselaar, on cooperation relations with Sonatrach, particularly in the hydrocarbons sector and the development of green hydrogen.
In his meeting with a delegation from the American energy company “Chevron,” led by the Vice President for International Exploration, Liz Schwartz, Arkab reviewed the state of cooperation with Sonatrach following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies, outlining the future approach to developing hydrocarbon resources in the Ahnet and Berkine basins.
The two sides also discussed other areas of cooperation, including the transfer of knowledge and modern technologies, as well as expertise exchange, especially in hydrocarbon exploration and well development, the statement concluded.
