Spain Seeks to Reopen Key Algerian Gas Pipeline Amid Europe’s Energy Crisis

Spain has reportedly initiated "high-level" negotiations with Algeria to have the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) transport gas to Europe, according to energy sector sources cited by MERCA2. This initiative by Spain comes in the context of the Ukraine crisis, which appears to be benefiting Algeria, which Europe considers as an alternative for the continent’s gas supply.

To read: Algeria Considers Boosting Gas Exports to Europe Amid Ukraine Crisis

The GME, which connects Algeria and Spain via Morocco, annually provides between 6 and 8 billion cubic meters of gas to the Spanish energy system. Algeria decided at the end of October not to renew the concession contract for this gas pipeline with Morocco, after unilaterally severing its diplomatic relations with the kingdom. Since then, it has been supplying Spain via the Medgaz, a gas pipeline that directly connects the two countries.