Algeria's energy minister turns to scientists abroad to cut emissions and localize technology
ALGIERS — Algeria's hydrocarbons minister has met the head of the national scientific diaspora council to explore how Algerian experts abroad can help modernize the oil and gas industry, with a focus on cutting methane emissions.
Mohamed Arkab, Minister of State and Minister of Hydrocarbons, received Professor Elias Zerhouni, coordinator of the Higher Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad, on Saturday at the ministry's headquarters. Mr Zerhouni is an Algerian-born scientist who once led the United States National Institutes of Health. Council members, its secretary-general Professor Mustapha Khiati and ministry officials attended.
According to the ministry, the talks covered scientific and technical cooperation, research and development, and advanced industrial technologies across the whole oil and gas value chain. Technologies to reduce methane emissions and the sector's carbon footprint were a central topic, alongside seawater desalination and the use of national specialists in both fields. The two sides also discussed local content: encouraging a domestic industry for oil and gas equipment and localizing advanced technologies.
Mr Arkab presented the sector's strategic direction and roadmap, including development programmes at national, regional and international level, and efforts to make better use of national resources. The ministry said the meeting follows the President's directives to strengthen links with Algerian scientists abroad and involve them in national development. Mr Zerhouni was also received by the environment minister the same day.
The emphasis on methane has a commercial logic. Algeria is a leading gas supplier to Europe, and European buyers are tightening rules on methane emissions linked to imported energy. Cutting leaks helps protect market access.
The meeting also comes as Algeria courts investors in its 2026 hydrocarbons licensing round, for which bids are due on 26 November.
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