QatarEnergy has secured its first upstream asset in Algeria by winning an onshore exploration license as part of the “Algeria Bid Round 2024.” The license grants exploration and production rights for the Ahara Block, located in eastern Algeria, through a consortium with TotalEnergies and Sonatrach. This milestone marks QatarEnergy’s strategic entry into one of North Africa’s key hydrocarbon regions.
His Excellency Mr. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, the Minister of State for Energy Affairs, President and CEO of QatarEnergy, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the Ahara Block, which marks our first entry into Algeria’s upstream sector and further and expands our footprint in Africa.”
H.E. Minister Al-Kaabi added: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the Algerian Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies and ALNAFT on the successful management of this bid round. We look forward to a successful and collaborative exploration endeavor with the Ministry alongside ALNAFT, Sonatrach, and TotalEnergies.”
The consortium structure includes QatarEnergy and TotalEnergies each holding a 24.5% effective interest, while Sonatrach retains a 51% stake and will operate the block post-exploration. The Ahara Block spans approximately 14,900 km² at the convergence of the resource-rich Berkine and Illizi Basins. TotalEnergies will serve as operator during the exploration phase, supported by the strong technical capabilities of all partners involved.
