Gazprom International Training Gives Course to Algerian Partners
Gazprom International Training has provided a training course to its partners in Algeria. Thomas Meijssen, an international expert in developing oil and gas fields, delivered the course. The training offered an insight into the history of Algeria’s hydrocarbon industry and focused on what had been done lately to develop the production of tight gas and oil.
Thomas Meijssen briefed the trainees on the technical side of unconventionals by describing various types of wells, techniques, and equipment used, which are perceived as the most effective. The main part of the course was related to the economics of unconventionals. Thomas praised the positive effect of the new Hydrocarbons Law that Algeria passed at the end of 2019 to supersede the old one enacted in 2005. This new law envisages a revised fiscal regime that is more beneficial and enticing for foreign investors. Apart from that, the law adds flexibility to contracting processes.
Currently, Algeria focuses on conventional hydrocarbons with slowly declining production. Their internal use is growing, which leads to a rapid decrease in exports that have always been a source of considerable income to national economy. A sustainable balance between internal use and exports requires new sources. The industry is aware that they should make a start with unconventional gas and oil fields as soon as possible. This prompts Algeria to launch the development of tight gas and oil soon and shale oil and gas will have to follow shortly.
“Algeria is the third largest resource holder of tight gas after the US and China, which makes them next in line to successfully develop these volumes,” Thomas Meijssen said. “We enjoyed great interest and participation from Sonatrach and Alnaft at the course, which proves that Algeria is serious in its commitment to developing unconventional hydrocarbons,” he added.
Background
Gazprom International Training B.V. is part of the Gazprom EP International Group. The company was incorporated in Amsterdam in 2011 to regularly provide training in varying fields to employees and managers of Gazprom EP International, Gazprom PJSC, and its subsidiaries and partners in joint projects.
Gazprom EP International is Gazprom’s upstream operator outside the Russian Federation. The company is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Today, Gazprom EP International operates in two dozens of counties in three continents and is involved in nearly 40 projects of varying magnitude. The key areas of focus include managing overseas upstream projects; prospecting, evaluating, and acquiring new petroleum assets in the world's major oil and gas regions; and representing Gazprom before foreign private and state-owned oil and gas companies.