Oran Hosts Key Energy and Hydrogen Conference
Oran is currently hosting the 14th edition of the Energy and Hydrogen Conference for Africa and the Mediterranean Basin (NAPEC 2026) from October 5 to 7. The event, presided over by Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons Mohamed Arkab, features over 450 exhibitors and more than 230 speakers. Held under the theme, "Towards a new approach to the energy mix, from energy transition to energy addition: ensuring energy security, affordability, and decarbonization," the conference focuses on critical issues such as gas and hydrogen development, low-carbon solutions, energy security, and decarbonization efforts.
This significant gathering coincides with the strategic impact of the "Algiers Agreement," signed by Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Austria, and Germany. This declaration strengthens the strategic dimension of the "South2 Hydrogen Corridor," a project designed to transport green hydrogen from North Africa to European markets. The corridor, which extends over 3,300 kilometers and is capable of transporting more than 4 million tons of hydrogen annually, is supported by an institutional mechanism and assistance from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). It also benefits from the potential reuse of over 65% of existing infrastructure.
Algeria is positioning itself not merely as an exporter of hydrogen but as a full participant in the entire value chain, from solar power generation and electrolysis to storage, compression, and transport to European consumers. The nation's strategic importance in this new energy landscape is underpinned by its robust energy infrastructure, geographical proximity to Europe, extensive experience in energy exports, and significant potential in renewable energy development. This approach, termed "energy addition," integrates traditional hydrocarbon investments with the advancement of new energy sources, including the ongoing development of the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, further cementing Algeria's role in the regional and international energy sector.
