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Monday, May 10, 2021
Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab has commissioned the Kasdir-Beni-Saf gas pipeline extension project. Arkab stated the pipeline is likely to strengthen Algeria’s place in the field of marketing and increase natural gas exports to Europe.
Arkab indicated on the occasion of the launch of the commissioning of the gas pipeline extension project las Thursday, as part of its visit to Naama, that the operation of this gas pipeline which represents the second phase of the MEDGAZ gas pipeline to Spain will cover the increased demand for Algerian gas and ensure the supply of the local market.
“We are currently working to support Algerian capacities and skills specialized in the energy field in the realization of projects requiring the use of advanced technologies,” stated the Minister.
The Minister highlighted the achievements made through this gas pipeline which will strengthen Sonatrach’s capacities in gas transfer and export.
This project, the work of which was entrusted to the company Cosider and the national pipeline company (ENAC), and which consists of the construction of a new pipeline, with a diameter of 48 inches over a linear distance of 197 kilometers between the Kasdir departure terminal and the Beni-Saf arrival terminal was received in 24 months. The project was implemented solely with Algerian resources and know-how, according to the Minister.
During his visit to the wilaya of Naama, Arkab also inspected the power station, which is a strategic energy installation partially commissioned recently to supply the national grid from turbines for the production of electricity by gas and steam. This station will be fully operational at the end of July.
Covering an area of 40 hectares, this station is the first of its kind to come into service as part of a national program underway to produce 8,000 megawatts of electrical energy across several regions of the country.
Endowed with a financial envelope of 95 billion DA, this station has technological equipment with high quality technical characteristics allowing to save 35% of the costs of gas used in the production of electric energy.
During the inspection of this station, the Minister called to make up as soon as possible the delay in the realization of the remaining structures of the project such as the administrative structures and services (accommodation and catering), noting that this station will drain the expertise of Algerian engineers and will create, as soon as it is commissioned, nearly 317 permanent jobs.
Recalling the efforts made to achieve a considerable rate of integration of the national product in terms of production and assembly of spare parts and maintenance for the operation of electrical works, Mr. Arkab referred to the steps taken by the Sonelgaz group to achieve autonomy in this area within the framework of the partnership with the company “General Electric” and reduce the high costs incurred by the maintenance of energy structures.
During this visit, the Minister of Energy inspected the electrical transformer station in the Touifza region, with a capacity of 200/400 kilovolts and which will cover the supply of high voltage lines over a distance of 2091 km at the level of the four wilayas namely Naama, El Bayadh, Bechar and Mascara.
Further, he inspected the mobile fuel distribution station that the Naftal company made available to the inhabitants of distant towns in the commune of Kasdir (190 km west of the capital of the wilaya), for which a financial envelope of 19 million DA and which provides 40 cubic meters of all types of fuels as well as the supply of butane bottles.
At the end of his visit, the Minister of Energy and Mines launched the commissioning of the gas distribution network for the benefit of 90 households in rural housing grouped in the suburbs of the town of Kasdir, whose construction over a length of 1.5 KM cost 4 million DA. (APS)
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