Algeria, a member of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), will host the headquarters of the organization’s Gas Research Institute (GRI), following the signing of an agreement between the Government and the GECF.
The technology center will enable GECF members to cooperate in research and development regarding breakthrough gas technology discoveries to enhance the industry.
Algeria will host several initiatives, including scientific research, technology transfer and sharing of best practices among GECF members and global partners to optimize operations across the gas value chain.
GECF Secretary General Mohamed Hamel stated that “the GRI will progressively be a platform for cooperation in technology and a vehicle to develop partnerships with research centers and universities in member countries and other similar institutions around the world”.
Algeria’s decision to host the GRI follows the country’s gas exports reaching a new peak of 56 billion cubic meters in 2022, as production and demand soared due to the Russia-Ukraine war, policies related to the energy transition and increases in post-Covid-19 economic activity. Algeria has also initiated a series of measures – including signing several memorandums of understanding to maximize gas exploration, production and monetization with Italy’s major Eni.