QatarEnergy has secured an onshore exploration license in Algeria, marking its initial venture into the country’s upstream sector. The announcement came as part of the “Algeria Bid Round 2024” results, with the National Agency for the Valorization of Hydrocarbon Resources (ALNAFT) revealing the winners.
The Ahara Block, located in eastern Algeria at the convergence of the Berkine and Illizi Basins, spans approximately 14,900 square kilometers. A consortium will manage its exploration and production rights: QatarEnergy holds a 24.5% interest, TotalEnergies—acting as operator during exploration—also has a 24.5% stake, while Sonatrach, Algeria’s state-owned oil company, maintains a majority interest of 51%.
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of QatarEnergy, expressed satisfaction with this development. “We are delighted to be awarded the Ahara Block,” he stated. “This marks our first entry into Algeria’s upstream sector and further expands our footprint in Africa.”
Minister Al-Kaabi extended his congratulations to Algerian authorities for their management of the bid process: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies and ALNAFT on the successful management of this bid round.” He also emphasized anticipation for collaborative efforts alongside ALNAFT, Sonatrach, and TotalEnergies.
