Algerian Radio
The Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, received the Chairman of the Executive Board of the German energy group VNG AG, Mr. Ulf Heitmüller, this Thursday in Alger. Discussions focused on business development and investment opportunities within the hydrocarbons sector, according to a statement from the ministry.
This meeting, attended by senior officials from both sides, falls within the framework of strengthening energy cooperation and partnership between Algeria and Germany. It also served as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between Sonatrach and the German company, aimed at "exploring new cooperation opportunities in green hydrogen, ammonia, and methane emission reduction, in alignment with energy transition and sustainable development goals," the same source added.
During the talks, both parties reviewed the current status and future prospects of cooperation between Sonatrach and the German group. They addressed business development and investment opportunities in the hydrocarbons sector, particularly in natural gas, while seeking to enhance commercial exchanges in gas marketing and transport. They also explored expanding the partnership to include new value-added projects.
Furthermore, the discussions touched upon ways to strengthen cooperation in low-carbon technologies applied to the natural gas industry and programs to reduce methane emissions, in addition to developing joint projects in green hydrogen and its derivatives, notably green ammonia, the statement added.
On this occasion, Mr. Arkab reaffirmed Algeria's commitment to further developing the hydrocarbons sector and enhancing its investment attractiveness. He highlighted the reforms initiated by Algeria to improve the business climate, particularly the legal and regulatory frameworks that provide favorable conditions for developing strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and the implementation of mutually beneficial projects.
For his part, Mr. Heitmüller expressed his satisfaction with the level of cooperation existing with Sonatrach, praising Algeria's position as a reliable energy supplier and a strategic partner for Europe. He confirmed the German group's interest in strengthening its cooperation with Sonatrach and expanding partnership areas, especially in natural gas, low-emission technologies, and green hydrogen.
