Austrian Minister Praises Algeria as Reliable Energy Partner
Algerian Minister of Hydrocarbons, Mohamed Arkab, hosted Wolfgang Hattmansdorfer, Austria's Federal Minister of Economy, Energy, and Tourism, in Algiers on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. The meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation and expanding partnership prospects, particularly within Algeria's hydrocarbons and energy sector. Minister Hattmansdorfer acknowledged Algeria as an important and reliable energy partner, underscoring the interest of Austrian companies in bolstering their market presence and exploring new investment avenues in the country. This visit includes an Austrian economic delegation comprising over 20 companies, signaling a broadening scope of engagement.
Discussions covered a wide array of opportunities, including collaboration in research, exploration, field development, oil and gas services, maintenance, and engineering. Both parties explored mechanisms for transferring technology and expertise, and for encouraging Algerian and Austrian enterprises to establish joint ventures and investments that generate added value. Cooperation in natural gas, encompassing production, transport, storage, marketing, and distribution, was also a key focus. Furthermore, prospects for developing trade in crude oil, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and refined products were examined, with an Algerian-Austrian economic forum planned during the visit.
The ministers also addressed collaboration in reducing emissions, minimizing carbon footprint, enhancing gas efficiency, and fostering training, applied research, and skills development. Efforts to promote local manufacturing were discussed, aimed at strengthening national capabilities and creating further value within Algeria. Minister Arkab reiterated the Algerian hydrocarbons sector's commitment to supporting Austrian companies seeking to expand their operations and investments, pledging to provide conducive conditions for mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in technology, engineering, industrial solutions, training, and expertise exchange. This collaborative spirit is exemplified by the participation of Austrian firm Verbund Green Hydrogen alongside Sonatrach in the “SoutH2 Corridor” project, which aims to produce and export green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe, further solidifying Algeria's role in the evolving energy landscape.
