Sonatrach Discusses Energy Cooperation with US Firms Baker Hughes, KBR
An Algerian delegation, led by Miloud M'Seld, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, attended the American LNG Summit and Exhibition in Lake Charles, Louisiana, on October 14-15, 2026. This high-level representation, which included Algeria's Ambassador to the United States, Sabri Boukadoum, and Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Daoudi, aimed to strengthen energy cooperation and expand investment opportunities between Algeria and the United States. Discussions at the summit addressed evolving liquefied natural gas markets, prospects for the gas industry's growth, and the critical issue of supply security, alongside challenges related to infrastructure development and attracting foreign investments.
On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. M'Seld engaged in bilateral meetings with officials from the US Department of Energy and representatives from ExxonMobil, continuing consultations focused on solidifying hydrocarbon cooperation and exploring new partnership and investment prospects within Algeria, particularly in the oil, natural gas, and LNG sectors. The Algerian delegation also participated in the 19th "Algerian Energy Day," an event organized by the US-Algeria Business Council. This platform facilitated the exchange of expertise and discussions on joint project development, fostering collaboration between Algerian and American enterprises, and leveraging modern technologies within the energy industry. Furthermore, the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT)'s tender rounds received attention as a mechanism to attract foreign companies for exploration and production activities, while the role of the Hydrocarbon Regulatory Authority (HRA) in project oversight and industrial safety was emphasized.
Separately, in Houston, Sonatrach CEO Noureddine Daoudi conducted working meetings with officials from the American companies Baker Hughes and KBR. Discussions with Baker Hughes specifically focused on innovative technological solutions for drilling, well completion, and production, as well as enhancing facility performance, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in the hydrocarbon industry. The ongoing collaboration between Sonatrach and Baker Hughes is evidenced by their involvement in the Hassi R'Mel gas pressure boosting project (Phase 3, second tranche), awarded in May 2024, and through joint ventures Algesco and Abac, specializing in energy sector services.
The meeting with KBR explored cooperation opportunities in industrial project execution, particularly in upstream oil and gas activities. KBR, which has contributed to major Algerian industrial projects in LNG, hydrocarbon processing, and ammonia production since the early 1980s, also showcased its expertise in clean technologies, ammonia, and the application of artificial intelligence for facility management and operational excellence. These engagements underscore Sonatrach's proactive strategy to solidify partnerships with leading international energy players, thereby mobilizing essential expertise and technologies to advance its operations and bolster the performance of Algeria's national energy industry.
