Algerie Presse Service: Hydrocarbons - Mixed Tenders' Results, Move Towards Shale Gas, Offshore

The launch of a call for tenders, the first under the new law on hydrocarbons, and the approval for shale gas exploitation have been the major developments in the energy sector in 2014 in the shadow of a plummeting in world price of crude oil.

The 4th tender for research and exploration of hydrocarbons, launched in January, i.e. three years after the previous operation, wrapped up with mixed results.

Over the 31 perimeters areas proposed by the National Agency for the Development of Hydrocarbon Resources (Alnaft), four (4) were awarded to three international groups for research and the commissioning of the perimeters of Timmissit in Eastern Erg of Sahara, Tinhert North (eastern Sahara) and M'sari Akabli (western Sahara), in addition to the perimeters of Boughezoul.

Professionals' opinions differed as for the assessment of the results of the first tender launched part of the new law on hydrocarbons, enacted in 2013, which paved the way for the exploitation of unconventional resources.
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