Algeria’s Sonatrach will invest a minimum of $70bn over the next 20 years to develop its shale gas reserves, its managing director has said.
Speaking to state radio, Said Sahnoun said the energy giant intendeds to drive forward with its plans to produce in the country’s southern desert, despite some public opposition.
Under the plans, Sonatrech is aiming to produce 20bn cubic metres of shale gas each year across 200 drilling sites.
Sahnoun admitted that Sonatrach could have done more to allay public concerns but insisted such concerns were unfounded.
“Perhaps we haven’t communicated enough about the issue,” he commented
“The pilot well in In Salah is producing clean gas. The waste water is being managed.”
