The 8th Symposium of the Algerian Gas Industry Association (AIG) opened Monday at the Mohamed Benahmed Convention Center in Oran under the theme: “Natural Gas and Hydrogen: Innovation for Sustainable Industry.” The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary-General of the AIG, Khaled Badji; the Secretary-General of the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), Farid Ghazali; and the President of the International Gas Union (IGU), Andrea Stegher; alongside representatives of major international energy companies, subsidiaries of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, and sector experts.
Bringing together more than 700 participants, the two-day symposium features a series of conferences and roundtables focusing on critical issues, including the role of natural gas in energy security and supply stability, energy transition challenges, decarbonization, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Discussions will also explore hydrogen-related opportunities and the contribution of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to the gas industry.
Human capital development and maintenance strategies aimed at improving the efficiency of the gas value chain are also high on the agenda.
A parallel technical exhibition is being held, with participation from 25 national companies and 10 start-ups, providing a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of industry best practices.
The Algerian Gas Industry Association serves as a premier forum for professionals and stakeholders to exchange ideas and propose innovative solutions. Founded by Sonatrach and Sonelgaz and officially accredited on June 13, 1993, the association is an active member of the IGU and holds a seat on its Executive Committee following Algeria’s election to the IGU Executive Committee at the 29th World Gas Congress in Beijing in 2025.
