Nigeria and Libya study 3,300 km gas pipeline to connect to Europe

Nigeria and Libya have initiated technical discussions on a new pipeline project to transport Nigerian gas to Europe through the Mediterranean network.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Authorities from Nigeria and Libya have announced they have begun technical talks to revive a pipeline project aimed at linking Nigerian gas reserves to the European market via Libyan territory. The announcement follows a bilateral meeting during which both countries agreed to mobilise their teams to launch feasibility studies.

A shorter route than regional alternatives

The proposed route for this new energy corridor is estimated at 3,300 kilometres, making it one of the shortest among trans-African projects. In comparison, the Nigeria-Algeria Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline stretches nearly 4,000 kilometres, while the Nigeria-Morocco project spans 5,560 kilometres. The new route would allow direct connection to the Greenstream pipeline, already operational between Libya and Italy.

This geographical configuration offers immediate access to the Mediterranean gas network without requiring new liquefaction terminals or maritime infrastructure. It also presents an opportunity to shorten implementation timelines compared to larger projects requiring multiple phases of regional interconnection.

Diversification targets for Abuja

For the Nigerian government, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to diversify its energy export channels. The country has intensified efforts to increase natural gas exports, notably through the relaunch of the Nigeria-Morocco project, discussions on extending the West African Gas Pipeline to Côte d’Ivoire, and the announcement of a $60bn gas expansion plan.

This new transit option via Libya would complement these initiatives, while strengthening Nigeria’s position in the European gas market, considered strategic amid growing demand and shifting import flows.

Strategic interest for Tripoli

For Libya, the project would allow further use of existing infrastructure, notably the Greenstream pipeline, in operation since 2004, linking the Libyan city of Mellitah to the Gela terminal in Italy. Libya is seeking to increase its oil and gas production by rehabilitating existing fields and securing exports as it gradually restores its energy capacities.

Initial discussions between the two countries date back three years, when a proposal was made by Mohamed Aoun, then Libyan Minister of Petroleum. At this stage, no financing has been announced and the discussions remain focused on the exchange of technical data and the formalisation of a memorandum of understanding.

Baker Hughes has secured a contract from Bechtel to provide gas turbines and compressors for the second phase of Sempra Infrastructure’s LNG export project in Texas.
Targa Resources will build a 500,000 barrels-per-day pipeline in the Permian Basin to connect its assets to Mont Belvieu, strengthening its logistics network with commissioning scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.
Brazilian holding J&F Investimentos is in talks to acquire EDF’s Norte Fluminense thermal plant, valued up to BRL2bn ($374 million), as energy-related M&A activity surges across the country.
Chevron has appointed Bank of America to manage the sale of pipeline infrastructure in the Denver-Julesburg basin, targeting a valuation of over $2 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Hungary has signed a ten-year agreement with Engie for the annual import of 400 mn m³ of liquefied natural gas starting in 2028, reinforcing its energy diversification strategy despite its ongoing reliance on Russian gas.
Wanted by Germany for his alleged role in the 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, a Ukrainian has been arrested in Poland and placed in provisional detention pending possible extradition.
An unprecedented overnight offensive targeted gas infrastructure in Ukraine, damaging several key facilities in the Kharkiv and Poltava regions, according to Ukrainian authorities.
The Dunkirk LNG terminal, the second largest in continental Europe, is seeing reduced capacity due to a nationwide strike disrupting all French LNG infrastructure.
Russia’s liquefied natural gas output will increase steadily through 2027 under the national energy development plan, despite a 6% drop recorded in the first eight months of 2024.
QatarEnergy has signed a long-term contract with Messer to supply 100 million cubic feet of helium per year, strengthening Doha’s position as a key player in this strategic market.
US-based fund KKR has acquired a minority interest in the gas pipeline assets of Abu Dhabi oil operator ADNOC, continuing its strategy to expand energy infrastructure investments in the Middle East.
Shell UK has started production at the Victory field north of Shetland, integrating its volumes into the national gas network through existing infrastructure to strengthen UK supply.
Exxon is seeking direct support from the Mozambican government to secure its Rovuma LNG project, as Islamist violence continues to hinder investment in the country’s north.
Chevron has signed a $690 million agreement with Equatorial Guinea to develop gas from the Aseng field, amid a long-term decline in national oil production and a search for new economic drivers.
TotalEnergies has set 2029 as the restart date for its Mozambique LNG project, frozen since 2021, delaying the exploitation of a strategic investment worth more than $20bn in liquefied natural gas.
The establishment of a dedicated entity marks a new phase for the Nigeria-Morocco pipeline, with tenders and the final investment decision expected by the end of 2025.
The European ban on Russian liquefied natural gas from 2027 is pushing Siberian producers to reorient their flows to Asia, despite logistical and regulatory constraints.
Caturus Energy has signed a multi-year contract with Nabors Industries to deploy a next-generation onshore rig, aimed at supporting the expansion of its gas output in the Eagle Ford and Austin Chalk formations in Texas.
Trinity Gas Storage partners with Intercontinental Exchange to open two new trading points at its Bethel site, strengthening East Texas’s strategic appeal in the U.S. gas market.
The Egyptian government is accelerating the deployment of its gas network and the conversion of vehicles to CNG, strengthening infrastructure despite a decline in domestic production.