The United Arab Emirates has committed to investing in an ambitious gas pipeline project that will link Nigeria to Morocco and ultimately extend to Europe.
Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, informed lawmakers on Tuesday that the UAE has joined a group of backers for the initiative, estimated to cost $25 billion.
“The project has garnered support from various financial institutions, including the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the OPEC Fund, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the United Arab Emirates,” Benali stated.
She also noted that Morocco has completed all necessary feasibility and engineering studies for the pipeline.
Industry experts in Morocco have confirmed that the project has successfully passed both the feasibility study and Front End Engineering Design stages.
Known as the “African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline,” this infrastructure will connect Nigeria’s gas network to Morocco’s southern city of Dakhla before heading north to Europe.
The pipeline is designed to traverse 15 African nations, fostering trade, development, and enhancing electricity access in the region.
Phase One will connect Morocco to gas fields near Senegal and Mauritania, as well as link Ghana to the Ivory Coast.
Phase Two will establish a connection between Nigeria and Ghana, while
Phase Three will link the Ivory Coast to Senegal.
Experts anticipate that this pipeline will significantly increase energy access for homes and businesses across Africa, while promoting economic collaboration within the continent.
With over 400 million people living along its route, the pipeline is viewed as a crucial catalyst for regional integration, industrial expansion, and improved infrastructure.
To oversee the project, Morocco and Nigeria have established a joint venture and signed a financing agreement to facilitate its progression.
The contract to supply pipes for construction has been awarded to China’s Jingye Steel Group.
Read Also:https://confluencetimes.com.ng/uk-police-recover-body-of-nigerian-teenager-from-colwick-lake/
Once completed, the pipeline will stretch 6,800 km, of which 5,100 km will be offshore, making it the longest offshore gas pipeline in the world.
Additionally, Benali mentioned that Morocco aspires to emerge as a regional leader in clean energy, leveraging its potential to produce green hydrogen and other renewable resources.
