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Europe Seeks African Energy Supplies to Replace Russian Natural Gas

European leaders have been paying a lot of attention to natural gas projects in Africa. The interest comes at a time when European officials are trying to find new energy resources because of reduced natural gas flows from Russia.

New LNG project near Senegal

A new liquefied natural gas (LNG) project off Africa's western coast has received visits from the leaders of Poland and Germany.

The field is about 80 percent complete. It is near Senegal and Mauritania's coasts. It is expected to hold about 425 billion cubic meters of gas, five times more than what Germany used in all of 2019. But production is not expected to start until the end of next year.

The new field will not help solve Europe's energy crisis caused by Russia's war in Ukraine. But, Gordon Birrell, an executive for project co-developer BP, said the development "could not be more timely." That is because Europe is seeking to reduce its use of Russian natural gas to power factories, generate electricity and heat homes.

"Current world events are demonstrating the vital role that (liquid gas) can play in underpinning² the energy security of nations and regions," he told an energy industry meeting in West Africa last month.

Europe aims to strike new deals

The 27-nation European Union is getting ready for the possibility of a complete Russian gas cutoff. EU energy ministers have been debating price limits on energy prices in recent weeks. European leaders have visited Norway, Qatar, Azerbaijan and especially countries in North Africa, where Algeria has a pipeline³ running to Italy and another to Spain.

In July, Italy signed a $4 billion gas deal with Algeria. The deal came one month after Egypt reached an agreement with the EU and Israel to increase sales of LNG. Angola also has signed a gas deal with Italy.

An earlier agreement will let Italy's biggest energy company start production at two Algerian gas fields this week. But, experts said it is not clear when production will start from the July deal.

Senegalese President Macky Sall wants African countries to benefit from these projects. But African leaders do not want to export all their gas — an estimated 600 million Africans lack electricity.

"It is legitimate⁴, fair and equitable⁵ that Africa, the continent that pollutes the least and lags furthest behind in the industrialization process should exploit its available resources to provide basic energy," Sall told the U.N. General Assembly last month.

Algeria is a major gas supplier. In 2020, Algeria and Egypt made up 60 percent of the natural gas production in Africa. But Algeria cannot make up for Russian gas cuts to Europe, said Mahfoud Kaoubi. He is a professor of economics at the University of Algiers.

"Russia has an annual production of 270 billion cubic meters — it's huge," Kaoubi said. "Algeria is 120 billion cubic meters, of which 70.50 percent is intended for consumption on the internal market."

Egypt also is looking to export more natural gas to Europe. The country is even limiting energy for shopping center air conditioners and streetlights so it can export gas.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Egypt hopes to bring in an additional $450 million a month in foreign currency. State media reported that he wants Egypt to use 15 percent less energy at home so it can be exported.

And a new, three-party deal calls for Israel to send more gas to Europe through Egypt, which can liquefy it for export by sea. The EU says it will help the two countries increase gas production and exploration.

Words in This Story

vital – adj. extremely important

underpin¹ – v. to strengthen or support (something) from below

region – n. a part of a country, of the world, etc., that is different or separate from other parts in some way

benefit – v. to be useful or helpful to (someone or something)

legitimate—adj. fair or reasonable; allowed according to rules or laws

lag – v. to move more slowly than others

exploit -- v. to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you

consumption – n. the use of something (such as fuel)

1 underpin   

v.加固，支撑

参考例句：

• China needs regional stability to underpin its continued economic growth.中国需要地区稳定来巩固其持续的经济增长。
• These developments are underpinned by solid progress in heavy industry.重工业的稳固发展为这些进展打下了基础。

2 underpinning   

n.基础材料；基础结构；（学说、理论等的）基础；（人的）腿v.用砖石结构等从下面支撑（墙等）( underpin的现在分词 )；加固（墙等）的基础；为（论据、主张等）打下基础；加强

参考例句：

• Underpinning this success has been an exemplary record of innovation. 具有典范性的创新确保了这次成功。 来自辞典例句
• But underpinning Mr Armstrong's technology changes is a human touch. 但阿姆斯特朗技术变革的支柱是人情味。 来自互联网

3 pipeline   

n.管道，管线

参考例句：

• The pipeline supplies Jordan with 15 per cent of its crude oil.该管道供给约旦15%的原油。
• A single pipeline serves all the houses with water.一条单管路给所有的房子供水。

4 legitimate   

adj.合法的，合理的，合乎逻辑的；v.使合法

参考例句：

• Sickness is a legitimate reason for asking for leave.生病是请假的一个正当的理由。
• That's a perfectly legitimate fear.怀有这种恐惧完全在情理之中。

5 equitable   

adj.公平的；公正的

参考例句：

• This is an equitable solution to the dispute. 这是对该项争议的公正解决。
• Paying a person what he has earned is equitable. 酬其应得,乃公平之事。