US, Algeria Collaborate on AI for Hydrocarbon Production
The North Africa Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (NAPEC 2026), held at the Oran Convention Center, served as a platform for a significant energy sector announcement: a collaboration between Algeria and the United States to integrate Artificial Intelligence and advanced technologies for optimizing hydrocarbon production. This initiative, highlighted during a strategic panel organized by the Algero-American Chamber of Commerce (USABC), aims to maximize output from Algeria's mature deposits and unlock the untapped potential of its historical oil and gas fields, moving beyond traditional contract signings to embrace technological innovation.
The United States views Algeria as a cornerstone of global energy security, a sentiment underscored by Marc A. Shepero, Chargé d'affaires at the US Embassy in Algiers, who noted Algeria's decades of hydrocarbon experience and unexplored sector potential. American technology is positioned to make a significant difference, with discussions at NAPEC 2026, led by Martin Debra, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy, and Warren Murdoch, President of the USABC, emphasizing rapid investment. The US has committed to establishing biennial business meetings to ensure rigorous follow-up on investments, aiming to build a solid and enduring partnership. The panel included key industry players such as Sonatrach, Alnaft, Halliburton, and Baker Hughes.
The core of this collaboration lies in breakthrough technologies designed to transform Algeria's upstream oil sector, enabling increased production without necessarily drilling new wells. Experts at the conference detailed how these advancements, particularly Artificial Intelligence, are already proving effective. A Halliburton representative shared that similar technologies have optimized recovery rates up to 60% in aging fields in the United States. Furthermore, a Sonatrach executive expressed confidence that implementing Artificial Intelligence could enable the historic Hassi Messaoud basin to produce even more than it has over its past 60 years of operation, building on successes observed in areas like the Berkine basin, which boasts Algeria's highest recovery rate.
Algeria, while opening its doors to these cutting-edge solutions, maintains clear requirements for technological partnerships. Abdelkader Cherfaoui, Director General of Alnaft, emphasized that technological contributions must include a genuine transfer of skills and the development of local content. This strategic approach transforms how mature assets are perceived, shifting them from declining fields to new economic opportunities. By extending the lifespan of these fields and enhancing energy competitiveness, this collaboration is poised to ensure Algeria's long-term strength in the global energy market.
