TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy secure strategic exploration licence in Algeria

TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.

Share:

TotalEnergies, in partnership with QatarEnergy, has obtained the Ahara exploration licence following the “Algeria Bid Round 2024” tender organised by the Agence Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources en Hydrocarbures (ALNAFT). This is the first tender conducted under the new hydrocarbons law n° 19-13. The Ahara area covers approximately 14,900 square kilometres and is located at the junction of the Berkine and Illizi basins, known for their resource potential.

A tripartite consortium for the development of Ahara

According to the distribution, the Algerian national company SONATRACH retains a majority stake of 51%, in accordance with current legislation. TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy each hold 24.5% of the project and will work closely together during the exploration and appraisal phases. The French group will act as operator during these initial stages.

The launch of this project is part of the strategy of international players seeking to strengthen their presence in hydrocarbon-rich areas of North Africa. The granting of this licence comes as Algeria continues its policy of enhancing its resources, particularly through the implementation of the hydrocarbons law designed to attract investment and clarify the sector’s rules.

Prospects for the hydrocarbons sector in Algeria

The partnership with TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy confirms SONATRACH’s intention to collaborate with major companies possessing technical and financial expertise. Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, stated that this award opens a new chapter in cooperation between the three companies in Algerian exploration, according to Bloomberg reported on 18 June.

The next steps include preparation of the exploration programme and assessment of the area’s potential. The Ahara project adds to other similar initiatives aimed at supporting national production and securing regional hydrocarbon supply. The implementation of this licence highlights the continued interest of major companies in the Algerian energy sector.

Woodside Energy will operate the Bass Strait gas assets following an agreement with ExxonMobil, strengthening its position in the Australian market while maintaining continuity of domestic supply.
The EU-US agreement could create a higher energy concentration than that of Russia before 2022, threatening the European diversification strategy.
Al Shola Gas strengthens its position in Dubai with major liquefied petroleum gas supply and maintenance contracts, exceeding $517,000, covering several large-scale residential and commercial sites.
BW Energy and NAMCOR E&P announce the engagement of the Deepsea Mira rig for drilling the Kharas appraisal well on the Kudu field, offshore Namibia, with a campaign scheduled for the second half of 2025.
The Permian Basin has seen a drop of over 50% in methane emissions intensity over two years, according to S&P Global Commodity Insights, illustrating the impact of advanced technologies and enhanced operational management.
Naftogaz and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) have formalised an initial contract for natural gas delivery via the Transbalkan corridor, opening new logistical perspectives for Ukraine’s energy supply.
Equinor postpones the restart of its Hammerfest LNG terminal by five days, a key site for European liquefied natural gas supply.
Mozambique aims to strengthen the presence of Russian companies in natural gas exploration and production as the country looks to diversify its partnerships in the natural resources sector.
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto states Budapest will block any European ban on Russian hydrocarbon imports, stressing the impact on household energy costs.
The International Energy Agency anticipates an acceleration in global liquefied natural gas trade, driven by major new projects in North America, while demand in Asia remains weak.
Spanish group Naturgy reports an unprecedented net profit, driven by rising electricity prices and increased use of its gas-fired power plants since the major Iberian grid outage.
The Hague court has authorised the release of Gazprom’s shares in Wintershall Noordzee, following a judicial decision after several months of legal proceedings involving Ukrainian companies.
SSE plc invests up to €300mn ($326mn) in a new 170MW power plant in County Meath, aiming to ensure energy security and support the growing demand on Ireland's power grid.
The Egyptian government has paid over $1 billion to oil majors to secure natural gas production and restore international investor confidence.
CMA CGM and TotalEnergies announce a strategic partnership with the creation of a joint venture to operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel with a capacity of 20,000 m³, based in Rotterdam.
The amount of gas flared globally surged to 151 billion cubic meters, the highest level in nearly twenty years, resulting in losses estimated at 63 billion USD and raising concerns for energy security.
Since early April, Europe has imported nearly 45 billion cubic meters (bcm) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with storage prospects for winter putting pressure on gas prices.
The Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority has completed a natural gas network in Al Hamriyah, spanning over 89 kilometres at a total cost of $3.81mn.
The European ban on fuels refined from Russian crude is reshaping import flows, adding pressure to already low inventories and triggering an immediate diesel price rally.
LNG trading volumes in the Asia-Pacific region reached 1.24 million tonnes, driven by summer demand and rising participation, despite a 21% monthly decline linked to geopolitical uncertainty.