Saharan pipeline projects must seize European opening

The proposed mega-projects linking Nigeria to the Mediterranean and beyond face significant hurdles, but there are strategies that could help them advance

Russia accounted for c.40pc of European gas consumption before the invasion of Ukraine, a volume close to 110bn m³/yr. As European countries hunt for alternative supplies, gas-producing countries in northern and western Africa are planning projects to help meet future demand. One such project is the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline (TSGP), which could supply up to 30bn m³/yr from Nigeria, Niger and Algeria. At an estimated cost of c,$13bn, it would be a game-changer in allowing European countries to further diversify supplies. The three countries will gain economic benefits from the proposed pipeline in the form of royalties and tariffs and additional export revenues. The extension of gas transpor