Russia's gas alternative to Europe in Africa?

Algeria is one of the major gas production centers. File photo:

At the moment, about 40 percent of Europe's gas demand comes from Russia, the world's top gas exporter. On February 24, sanctions against the industrialized nations came down on Moscow for invading neighboring Ukraine. Originally, the search for Russian fuel alternatives began.

The BBC reports on Monday that the current situation is expected to increase gas exports from African countries to the European Union (EU).

It also said Russia had cut off fuel supplies to Poland and Bulgaria because it refused to pay in Russian rubles. This is a big threat to other countries in the eurozone.

The EU aims to reduce its dependence on Russian energy by two-thirds by the end of this year and to eliminate it completely by 2030.

Energy expert Carol Nakhle told the media that the amount of energy exported to Europe from Algeria, Egypt and Nigeria, the main energy exporters in Africa, is less than half of the total Russian energy.

According to him, "At the moment, Africa's energy cannot be a substitute for Russian energy."

The good news is: Russia has energy alternatives. Africa ranks well among energy-rich regions. Now more investment is being considered there, 'he added.

However, it will take more time to prepare everything, the report said.

According to the report, Algeria, a North African country, is in a good position to export gas to Europe. At present the infrastructure there is also improved.

Last month, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi signed an agreement with Algeria to increase gas imports by about 40 percent. This is Italy's first major energy deal since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Nigeria, West Africa's top gas-producing country, has been flooded with requests from European countries since the start of the war in Ukraine, the report said.

Spain, Portugal and France are the main buyers of Nigerian gas, it added. This is a great opportunity to increase the gas production of the African country. However, there are some obstacles in this case.

According to sources, Nigeria's gas production situation could improve significantly in the next six to 18 months.

Andi Odeh, general manager of Nigeria LNG's External Relations and Sustainable Development, told the media that talks were underway to increase gas production. He also hopes that production will increase by the end of this year.

The West African country is one of the main partners in the stalled Trans-Saharan Pipeline project. At the end of the project, the 4,400 km long pipeline to supply natural gas is to run from Nigeria to Algeria via Niger. This will create fuel supply connections from West Africa to Europe.

However, work on the pipeline project, which was discussed in the 1980s, has stalled due to safety and environmental concerns. Discussions about its launch have recently resumed.

In addition, talks have begun on launching a pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco. "It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post."

The ২৫ 25 billion project will involve 13 countries in North and West Africa. It could take more than 25 years to complete the construction, the report said.

Analysts say that while Russia's decision to reduce Europe's dependence on energy has created huge opportunities for Africa, it will take time to implement these projects.

So in reality, even if African gas is considered as an alternative to Russian fuel, it may not be possible right now.