On behalf of His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Hamel, Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), Eng. Hichem Kimouche (DISD Head) delivered a keynote address at the 12th edition of Sonatrach’s Scientific and Technical Days (JST12) - a premier platform for energy innovation and dialogue.
At the outset, he commemorated the late Mr. Abdelhak Bouhafs, former CEO of Sonatrach, recalling that the first JTSs were held in 1994 under his leadership. Reflecting on Algeria’s leadership as a founding GECF Member and its successful hosting of the 7th GECF Summit in Algiers last year, he expressed the Forum’s deep appreciation for Algeria’s continued support.
Focusing on the theme of natural gas in the energy transition, he highlighted four key observations:
· There is no single universal energy transition (it is shaped by national circumstances, capabilities, priorities and realities).
· Transitions must be gradual, equitable, and focused on improving lives.
· Energy is foundational to achieving all 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
· Hydrocarbons continue to supply nearly 80% of global energy needs (underscoring the critical role of natural gas).
He emphasized that natural gas is uniquely positioned to address the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability, especially in developing regions where energy access remains limited.
The keynote also addressed the rapidly growing energy needs driven by population growth, social progress, industrialization, and emerging technologies, such as AI-powered data centers. He stressed that gas-fired power offers a competitive advantage in scalability, reliability, and environmental footprint.
He also underscored the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across the gas value chain - ranging from exploration and drilling to predictive maintenance and emissions control. While the benefits are clear, he acknowledged the challenges of full-scale deployment and the digital divide that may emerge between countries. He reiterated GECF’s commitment to capacity-building and technology transfer, notably through the new Gas Research Institute based in Algiers.
He concluded by affirming that natural gas is not merely a bridge, but a core pillar of a sustainable and inclusive energy future, as declared in the landmark Algiers Declaration of 2024.
The JST12 event once again affirmed Sonatrach’s long-standing commitment to scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration. It remains a key forum for aligning technical expertise with the broader energy agenda of Algeria, the GECF, and the global community.
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