Algeria is the third-largest supplier of gas to Europe after Russia and Norway. Growing concerns about overdependence on any one source is leading European countries to prioritise diversity of supply more than ever.
Algeria fits the role perfectly. The north African country will boost its current supply of some 63 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas a year to Europe by 7.7 bcm in 2009 by expanding the capacity of two existing pipelines to Spain and Italy. A new pipeline to Spain, scheduled for completion at the end of this year, will raise Algerian gas exports by yet another 8 billion cubic metres. Algeria wants to expand its total gas exports to 85 bcm a year by 2010.
StatoilHydro plays an active role in the daily operation of both the In Salah and In Amenas fields, which comprise more than 20% of Algeria’s total gas production. We also operate the Hassi Mouina gas prospect, presently in the development assessment stage
Jørn Amundsen
“Three companies and three different cultures, it’s very interesting, always a challenge, and a tremendous opportunity,” says Jørn Amundsen, a former North Sea platform manager who came to Algeria three years ago. He now works as an operation superintendant coordinating gas production from the Teg, Reg and Krechba production sites. Like many Scandinavians, informality and inclusiveness are distinct characteristics of Amundsen’s leadership style.
During a recent visit to Krechba, Amundsen leans into the speaker phone during the daily production coordination meeting to ask if the remote Teg gas production pod has anything to report. A voice at the other end responds.
“Everything running normal except for one line at lower pressure because of a pipeline that is exposé, exposed?… I’m sorry, I don’t know how to say it in English,” he apologizes.
“That’s okay,” says Amundsen, “you’re English is better than my French!”
“Yes!” agrees a laughing Hamiti Hamiti, In Salah gas joint venture supply chain management superintendant, sitting next to the Norwegian in the Krechba plant’s conference room.
“I’m used to StatoilHydro back home – and everything runs basically the same here,” says Amundsen. Despite the similarities, there are distinct differences.
“Logisitics here in the desert are difficult. Everything takes time. But everyone does a superb job. The locals know the In Salah and In Amenas fields contribute a large part of Algeria’s total gas supply – and they’re very proud!”
