Trans-Saharan gas pipeline

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Trans-Saharan gas pipeline

The Trans-Saharan gas pipeline (TSGP), also known as the NIGAL pipeline or Trans-African gas pipeline, is a planned natural gas pipeline from Nigeria to Algeria. It aims to diversify Europe’s gas supplies.

Route, length and capacity
- Start: Warri, Nigeria; end: Hassi R'Mel, Algeria
- Route: north through Niger to Algeria, connecting at Hassi R'Mel to the expanding European gas network
- Length: about 4,128 km (2,565 miles) with roughly 1,037 km in Nigeria, 841 km in Niger, and 2,310 km in Algeria
- Capacity: up to 30 billion cubic meters per year
- Diameter: 48 to 56 inches (about 1,220 to 1,420 mm)

Why it matters
- The pipeline would link with existing European pipelines (Trans-Med, Maghreb–Europe, Medgaz, GALSI) near the Algerian coast, feeding Europe from Mediterranean gas hubs.

History and status
- The idea emerged in the 1970s. A 2002 memorandum of understanding between Nigeria’s NNPC and Algeria’s Sonatrach kicked off preparations.
- A 2005 feasibility study by Penspen found the project technically and economically feasible; the study was completed in 2006.
- An intergovernmental agreement was signed in 2009 in Abuja by Nigeria, Niger and Algeria.
- As of 2019, the project remained in the prospect phase, with no final investment decision.
- On July 28, 2022, energy ministers from Algeria, Nigeria and Niger signed a memorandum of understanding to move the project forward, signaling renewed political backing.

Partnerships and ownership
- The pipeline would be built and operated by a joint venture including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Sonatrach (Algeria), and the Government of Niger. Initially the plan was for NNPC and Sonatrach to hold about 90% of the shares and Niger about 10%.
- Gazprom (Russia) discussed possible participation, and other companies such as GAIL (India), Total (France), Eni (Italy), and Royal Dutch Shell (UK/Netherlands) showed interest in the project. Algerian officials have said partners should contribute more than just money, and that not all interested parties would be chosen.

Security and challenges
- The project faces safety concerns due to insurgent activity and terrorism in parts of North Africa, including incidents like the In Amenas hostage crisis in 2013.
- The Nigerian Delta and other regional security issues add to the risk profile.

Costs and timeline
- Original estimates put the pipeline cost at around $10 billion, with about $3 billion more for gas gathering centers.
- The project was initially expected to be operational by 2015. As of the latest updates, it remained in the planning or prospect stage, with progress dependent on security, financing, and political agreement.