EQUATORIAL GUINEA – Equatorial Guinea through its national gas company (Sonagas) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation in the field of gas transmission, distribution and energy efficiency with the National Electricity and Gas Company of Algeria (Sonelgaz)
According to a statement by the Africa Oil and Power Conference, the Memorandum of Understanding covers the regulatory framework for the gas sector, the transport and distribution of gas through pipelines, the supply and installation of gas meters, and all other areas of the energy sector of mutual interest.
The signing ceremony took place during the 5th Summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and was officiated by Mr. Chaher Boulakhras, President and CEO of Sonelgaz, and Juan Ondo Ndongo, General Manager of Equatorial Guinea’s National Gas Company.
“We are ready to strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s capacities in all the subjects that require it, and, conversely, we are expecting a lot of collaboration so that Equatorial Guinea can share its wide knowledge in the gas sector,” said Mr. Chaher Boulakhras.
Also in attendance was H.E Minister of Energy of Algeria, Mohamed Arkab, and H.E. Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons of Equatorial Guinea, Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima.
“99% of Algerians have access to electricity and 63% have access to gas. We are actively developing the optimization of the entire gas value chain in a collaborative way,” said H.E. Minister of Energy Mohamed Arkab.
“We want to work together to collaborate with Equatorial Guinea to share our respective fields of expertise.”
H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima declared: “I am very happy to welcome Algeria to this GECF summit. As a leading African country in the hydrocarbons sector, Algeria has led one of the largest delegations here in Malabo. I am particularly proud to welcome a friendly country, a brother country.”
Equatorial Guinea is currently developing its Gas Megahub project and will thus benefit from Algeria, a leading country in Africa in the production, management and marketing of electricity and gas even as it aims to position itself as a regional hub for gas distribution.
