• Kuwait’s Metro Holding eyes investment in Algerian renewables and green hydrogen

• Europe remains the main market, with 30–40 TWh export target by 2040

• Gulf players offer co-production and technology transfer, not just capital

Algeria received a delegation from Kuwait’s Metro Holding Company on September 1, led by its chairman Sheikh Mishaal Al Jarrah Al Sabah. Talks with Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab focused on a green hydrogen and renewables project covering technology transfer, local electrolyzer manufacturing, and workforce training.

The move marks a shift in Algeria’s hydrogen diplomacy. Long focused on Europe, the country is now opening to Gulf investors who seek roles as co-producers rather than buyers. Their aim is to join the local value chain and build a lasting industrial base. This complements Algeria’s National Hydrogen Strategy (2023–2040), which targets annual exports of 30–40 TWh to Europe and up to $10 billion in revenues by 2040.

Europe remains the primary market. The planned SoutH2 Corridor, a 3,300 km pipeline designed to deliver 4 million tons of green hydrogen annually from North Africa to Italy, Austria, and Germany by 2030, is central to this strategy. It is backed by Sonatrach, Sonelgaz, and European partners including VNG, Verbund, and CESPA. Germany has also set up a bilateral working group and is funding the TaqatHy program to build local expertise.

Against this European backdrop, Kuwait’s Metro Holding brings a new balance. The group offers not only financing but also an industrial approach built around production and technology.

By diversifying alliances, Algeria can secure both export markets and industrial partnerships. Europe will remain the top customer, but Gulf players could strengthen local production and technology transfer. The challenge now is turning these commitments into concrete industrial projects.