German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is looking to Senegal to help European countries cut their dependence on Russian energy. During a joint news conference with Senegalese President Macky Sall, Scholz expressed interest in a gas exploitation project that could bring the first barrels by next year.

Scholz said Germany wants to help Senegal to develop a gas field off the coast of West Africa. According to media reports, BP, the operator of the field, estimates it holds 425 million cubic meters of natural gas.

"We have started exchanging ideas about this, and following these talks we will continue to do so very intensively at the technical level," said the chancellor. Sall said Senegal was "interested in supplying gas to the European market."

Germany also wants to collaborate more with Senegal on solar and wind energy projects, the chancellor said, as well as liquified natural gas (LNG). Scholz is heading to Niger and South Africa next, which has pledged to phase out its use of coal.

Germany is also looking for natural gas off its own coast - including inside the Wadden Sea, which is known for its rich biodiversity – despite criticism by some local residents.

#Scholz #Senegal #NaturalGas

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