In 2022, Algeria represented the largest producer of natural gas in Africa, with output measured at a record 3.6 trillion cubic feet (tcf). The gas is exported both by pipeline and as liquefied natural gas, and its production has been largely driven by several major producing fields. Recent hydrocarbon discoveries in the country are set to increase output even further.
Hassi R’Mel: 3.02 billion cf/d
The Hassi R’Mel field, located in Laghouat, is both the largest gas field in Algeria and one of the largest in the world.
Owned and operated by Algeria’s national oil company (NOC) Sonatrach, the field produced approximately 3.02 billion cubic feet per day (cf/d) in 2022, recovering 84% of the total recoverable gas reserves. Production is expected to continue until 2046.
Last year, Sonatrach announced a newly-discovered gas condensate reservoir at the field, likely to contain up to 12 tcf of reserves. The find will increase production by a further 130 billion cubic feet per year after being fast-tracked for development.
Rhourde Nouss: 1.08 billion cf/d
Located in Illizi, the Rhourde Nouss field produced approximately 1.08 billion cf/d in 2022, recovering an estimated 74% of its total recoverable resources. Also owned and operated by Sonatrach, the field represents the second-largest in the country and will continue producing until 2056. The field is connected to the country’s primary processing hub at Hassi R’Mel via the GR4 pipeline.
Alrar: 724.23 million cf/d
The Alrar gas field produced approximately 724 million cf/d in 2022, recovering 77.9% of its total recoverable gas reserves. Located in Illizi near the Libyan border, the field is also owned and operated by NOC Sonatrach and will continue producing until 2048. The field has seen significant investment and upgrades in recent years and is expected to play a critical role in scaling up Algeria’s total production.
Tinrhert Project: 684.8 million cf/d
Owned and operated by Sonatrach, the Tinrhert field is also located in Illizi and produced approximately 685 million cf/d in 2022. Recoverable resources were measured at 10.8% of total resources, with production expected to continue until 2055. In 2022, Sonatrach completed the construction of a collection network enabling 36 wells at the Tinrhert field to be connected to the separation and compression facilities at the nearby Ohanet field. This led to the successful commissioning of approximately 159 million cf/d, 500 tons of Liquefied Petroleum Gas per day, as well as 800 tons of condensate.
While these fields contribute significantly to Algeria’s overall gas output, major discoveries continue to be made, and more highly prospective fields are likely to come online. Sonatrach has stated that it believes over two-thirds of the country’s acreage remains unexplored, while over 100 discoveries remain undeveloped, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors and project developers alike.
