Algeria’s state-owned energy company, Sonatrach, is gearing up to expand its operations in Libya, focusing on oilfield services and workforce training.
This announcement follows discussions between Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, and Libya’s Acting Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadiq. The talks centered on reviving joint projects and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in hydrocarbons and electricity.
During the meeting, the two sides emphasized the importance of restarting Sonatrach’s activities in Libya, which were halted in 2014 due to security concerns. The company recently confirmed its full return to the Libyan energy market, with a particular focus on the Ghadames Basin, a region with significant potential for oil and gas exploration.
Sonatrach has already outlined plans for exploratory drilling at blocks 95 and 96 in the Ghadames Basin. Preparations are underway to resume operations at the A1-96/2 well, which has been dormant for nearly a decade. These efforts are expected to begin soon, signaling a significant step forward in the partnership between Sonatrach and Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC).
In addition to its upstream activities, Sonatrach plans to expand its oilfield services and training programs to help develop Libya’s energy workforce. This initiative aligns with its broader goal of fostering sustainable growth and supporting Libya’s recovery in the energy sector.
The discussions also touched on the potential for greater collaboration in electricity, including the possibility of connecting Algeria’s power grid with Libya’s. This proposed interconnection could strengthen energy reliability in Libya and pave the way for more integrated energy infrastructure between the two nations.
Sonatrach’s return to Libya reflects a renewed commitment to deepening energy ties between the two neighbors. The company’s expertise in exploration, production, and technical services positions it as a vital partner in helping Libya rebuild its energy sector after years of instability.
