On Thursday, energy technology company Baker Hughes revealed that it had secured a significant contract from SONATRACH for a gas-boosting initiative at Algeria's Hassi R’Mel gas field. This contract forms a segment of a larger order granted to a consortium comprising Baker Hughes and Tecnimont, a subsidiary of the technology and engineering conglomerate MAIRE. The signing ceremony, held in Algiers, was attended by the CEOs of the three companies: Rachid Hachichi from SONATRACH, Lorenzo Simonelli from Baker Hughes, and Alessandro Bernini from MAIRE, alongside H.E. Mohamed Arkab, the Minister of Energy & Mines.

Baker Hughes' awarded contract encompasses the provision of 20 compression trains utilizing Frame 5 gas turbine and BCL compressor technology. These trains will be deployed across three gas boosting stations situated within the expansive Hassi R’Mel gas field, located 550 km south of Algiers. Renowned as Algeria's largest gas field and one of the world's most significant, Hassi R’Mel serves as a crucial energy source for both Algeria and Europe. Baker Hughes' established technological solutions are anticipated to play a pivotal role in the project by amplifying and stabilizing natural gas pressure and increasing production on-site. This enhancement is poised to benefit Algeria's domestic energy infrastructure and economy, while simultaneously bolstering Europe's energy security.

Lorenzo Simonelli, Chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes, expressed, "Today's announcement signifies a significant milestone in our longstanding partnership with SONATRACH on vital energy endeavors in Algeria, which have played a pivotal role in providing dependable energy to Europe. We have persistently advocated for the augmentation of gas in the global energy mix to facilitate the transition to a lower-carbon economy. This project addresses the multifaceted challenge faced by energy producers in advancing sustainable energy development amidst rising energy demand. We take pride in supporting such a critical energy initiative in collaboration with Tecnimont."

The introduction of the new gas-boosting stations aligns with Algeria's ambitious agenda to fortify its position in the global energy landscape and reaffirms its dedication to natural gas as a fundamental energy resource for socio-economic advancement. The Hassi R’Mel Project forms a crucial component of a broader strategic partnership between Algeria and Italy, encompassing recently inked accords aimed at enhancing bilateral collaboration and offering financial backing for Algeria's gas production under the Mattei Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to foster cooperation between Africa and Italy across five primary policy domains: education and training, agriculture, health, water, and energy. The compressor trains will undergo packaging, compressor manufacturing, and train testing at Baker Hughes' facilities located in Italy.