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History

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The idea of building a direct gas pipeline between Algeria and Europe arose in the 1970’s. To study the feasibility of a subsea link, seismic surveys, geological tests, visual inspections of the seabed and oceanographical studies were all conducted.

However, at that time, technological constraints made it impossible to build and run an ultra-deepwater gas pipeline. 

These limitations however had disappeared by August 2000, when CEPSA and Sonatrach signed a protocol agreement  to resume the project to build an Algerian-European gas pipeline, which had been considered back in the 1970’s.

In February 2001, the “Sociedad para el Estudio y Promoción del Gasoducto Argelia-Europa, vía España S.A.” (“Company to Study and Build the Algerian-European Gas Pipeline via Spain, S.A.”) (MEDGAZ), was founded.

At the beginning, several leading global energy companies expressed interest in joining the Project. At present, MEDGAZ is made up of two companies with renowned technical expertise and financial strength (Sonatrach & Medina Partnership).

Shareholder evolution

In December 2006, coinciding with the final investment decision, the first relevant shareholding modification of MEDGAZ occurred. Since then, the shareholding has been modified on several occasions, the most notable being July 2013 when the entry of Naturgy and the exit of Iberdrola, Endesa and Engie was completed and July 2020, with the departure of Cepsa and the entry of BlackRock in Medina Partnership, current shareholding.

December 2006

No Data Found

July 2013

No Data Found

July 2020

No Data Found

Timeline

2024
September
2023
June
2022
November
2019
November
2016
October
2015
July
2014
May
2013
November
2012
May
2011
March
2011
March
Pipelin

The pipeline starts being filled to begin testing with gas at the terminal in Almería.

2010
November

The European Investment Bank grants MEDGAZ a loan of 500 million euros.

2010
July
Fase de pruebas

The testing phase with gas commences.

2010
February
2009
December
2009
November
2009
May
2008
December
2008
August
2008
March
2008
February
2007
September
2007
July
Construcción BS

The construction begins with the earth works in Beni Saf.

2007
February
2006
December
2006
October
Instalación fabrica

MEDGAZ is granted the Algerian Concession.

2006
September
Firma 17102006

MEDGAZ is granted the Administrative Authorization.

2006
July

MEDGAZ is granted the Environmental Impact Declaration.

2006
January
2005
June
2005
March
2004
July
2004
July
2004
April
2004
February
2003
September
Bandera UE

The European Commission includes MEDGAZ in the "List of Projects of priority interest".

2003
September
2002
September
2002
September
2001
July

Another five international energy companies (BP, Endesa, Eni, Gaz de France and Total) join the project.

2001
February
Logo_cronología

CEPSA and Sonatrach incorporate MEDGAZ S.A.

2000
August
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