Algeria Investment Improves Gas Production Efficiency
Baker Hughes was awarded a contract from Sonatrach for a gas boosting project for the Hassi R’Mel gas field in Algeria. The awarded scope includes the supply of 20 compression trains based on Frame 5 gas turbine and BCL compressor technology, which will be installed across three gas boosting stations within the Hassi R’ Mel gas field. Packaging of the compressor trains, as well as manufacturing of the compressors and testing of the trains, will take place at Baker Hughes’ facilities in Italy.
Located 341 miles (550 km) south of Algiers, Hassi R’Mel is the largest gas field in Algeria and one of the largest in the world, representing a key source of energy supply for Algeria and Europe. Baker Hughes’ technology will boost and stabilize the pressure of natural gas and increase production at site.
“Today’s announcement marks a notable milestone in our historical collaboration with Sonatrach for key energy projects in Algeria that have played a crucial role in supplying reliable energy to Europe,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chair and chief executive officer of Baker Hughes. “We have long believed that it is critical to increase gas within the overall global energy mix to help achieve a lower-carbon economy. This project helps solve energy producers’ multi-faceted challenge of driving sustainable energy development as energy demand increases. We are proud to support such a critical energy project in partnership with Tecnimont.”
The Hassi R’Mel project is part of a broader strategic collaboration between Algeria and Italy, which includes recently signed agreements to foster bilateral cooperation and provide financial support for Algeria’s gas production as part of the Mattei Plan. The Mattei Plan seeks to promote cooperation between Africa and Italy along five main policy pillars: education and training, agriculture, health, water, and energy.
