29 September 2026 | Algiers, Algeria – The Gas Research Institute (GRI), of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (#GECF), hosted a workshop via videoconference, titled “Unlocking the Potential of Tight Natural Gas Reservoirs” at its Headquarters in Algiers, bringing together experts from industry, academia and research institutions.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the GECF, welcomed participants and expressed his appreciation to the expert speakers for sharing their knowledge and experience. He highlighted the significance of the workshop as the first event hosted by the GRI since the inauguration of its Headquarters in Algiers, underscoring its role in advancing scientific and technological cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building among GECF Member Countries.
Hosted by Eng. Azzedine Adjeb, Director of the #GRI, the workshop explored the latest approaches and technologies for unlocking tight gas resources, with discussions covering reservoir characterization, drilling, stimulation, reservoir engineering and production optimization.
The Secretary General noted that the continued contribution of natural gas to energy security, economic development and reliable and cleaner energy supplies will require sustained innovation and technological progress. He emphasized that the development of tight gas resources presents both opportunities and technical challenges, requiring specialized expertise and advanced technologies across the resource development cycle. Eng. Adjeb highlighted the importance of a detailed understanding of tight gas reservoirs to identify appropriate technologies and approaches for improving recovery. He noted that the exchange of research, technical experience and lessons learned through the workshop would support GECF Member Countries in identifying effective practices, areas for further research and opportunities for technological advancement.
The expert presentations provided a comprehensive overview of the latest advances, technologies and practical approaches for unlocking the potential of tight gas resources.
Contributions covered the application of artificial intelligence, advanced reservoir modelling and innovative digital techniques, including CT scanning and fractal algorithms, alongside developments in fracture propagation modelling, hydraulic fracturing and reservoir characterization. Presentations also featured practical case studies and field experiences from GECF Member Countries, including Algeria and Egypt, addressing low resistivity pay, integrated subsurface strategies and optimization of tight gas development. The discussions further examined the impact of subsurface stress variations on multi-stage hydraulic fracturing and the potential application of advanced modelling techniques to tight gas development and CO₂ injection.
Collectively, the presentations demonstrated the importance of integrating multidisciplinary expertise, technological innovation and field experience to improve reservoir understanding, optimize recovery and advance the commercial development of tight gas resources.
In his closing remarks, Eng. Adjeb thanked all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions and for supporting the exchange of knowledge and expertise on the development of tight natural gas resources.
Finally, H.E. Dr. Philip Mshelbila, Secretary General of the GECF thanked all the Speakers and participants of this relevant international event.