Plizio Visual Lab
Timimoun Gas Field
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
The Timimoun gas field in southwestern Algeria is a prime example of the development of new hydrocarbon resources in remote regions. It was developed through a partnership between the state-owned Sonatrach, the French company TotalEnergies, and the Spanish firm Cepsa. Production officially commenced in 2018, marking a significant step in increasing Algerian natural gas exports. The project encompasses an extensive well collection system, a central processing facility, and a link to the national GR5 pipeline network. Geologically, the field is characterized by tight gas formations, requiring the application of modern drilling and stimulation techniques. The field's development has also contributed to the economic invigoration of the Adrar region by creating local employment and supporting infrastructure projects. Timimoun highlights the trend toward intensified exploitation of gas reserves in southwestern Algeria to ensure long-term supply security.
- Location: Algeria
- Top sights: Gate of Sudan · Tamimimoon Old Town
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 13 | 18 | 23 | 28 | 33 | 37 | 35 | 31 | 25 | 16 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Timimoun Gas Field in southwestern Algeria is a modern industrial facility developed to significantly boost the country's national energy production capacity. It acts as a critical strategic asset for the Algerian natural gas sector in the deep desert.
Visiting
Categorized as a highly sensitive national energy infrastructure, the gas field is strictly off-limits to all tourists and the general public. The entire perimeter is heavily secured, and entry requires exceptional government clearances.
Where to view it
Its remote location deep within the Sahara makes direct observation difficult, though overlanders on long desert routes might occasionally spot stretches of pipeline or the glow of gas flares illuminating the horizon at night.
Local products
While the industrial site itself gives no commercial amenities, the nearby oasis town of Timimoun is famous for providing travelers with exceptional quality local dates, traditional desert textiles, and distinctive Saharan handicrafts.
Active season
Gas extraction and processing operations run continuously, 24 hours a day throughout the entire year, maintaining output regardless of the harsh and extreme seasonal temperature shifts of the surrounding desert environment.
Nearby
A journey to this remote region is best combined with exploring the striking red-clay architecture of the historic Timimoun oasis and embarking on guided excursions into the magnificent surrounding Saharan sand dunes.
Geography
Facts
- Commercial production at Timimoun started in March 2018.
- The field has a capacity of approximately 1.6 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
- It includes a total of 37 production wells in the initial development phase.
- The gas is transported to Hassi R'Mel via the GR5 pipeline.
- Sonatrach holds a 51% stake in the development project.
- The Timimoun region is also famous for its traditional Foggara irrigation systems.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Timimoun Gas Field (2)
Tamimimoon Old Town
Archaeological site in Timimoun, remains of the old town.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Timimoun gas project?
A newer project to exploit gas deposits in southwestern Algeria.
Is the project located directly in the city of Timimoun?
The facilities are located in the desert outside the famous oasis city.
Can the city of Timimoun be visited?
Yes, the city is a known tourist destination (Red Oasis), while the gas plant is restricted.
When is the best time for a trip there?
Between November and March to see the pretty mud-brick architecture in mild light.
Is there an airport?
Yes, Timimoun has its own airport with connections to Algiers.
Timimoun Gas Field: where is it located?
Timimoun Gas Field is located in Algeria.
Timimoun Gas Field: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gate of Sudan, Tamimimoon Old Town.
Timimoun Gas Field: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.
Timimoun Gas Field: why is it worth visiting?
The Timimoun gas field in southwestern Algeria is a prime example of the development of new hydrocarbon resources in remote regions.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Algeria →
Nearby cities
Adrar
Adrar is the center of the Touat oasis region in the Sahara, known for traditional irrigation systems.
Beni
Beni is a city in North Kivu Province, located at the edge of the Virunga National Park and the Rwenzori Mountains.
Lubero
Lubero is a high-altitude town in North Kivu with a temperate climate.
Oicha
Oicha is the administrative center of the Beni Territory in North Kivu Province, located north of Beni city.
Virunga National Park
Virunga National Park is Africa's oldest national park, famous for its incredible biodiversity and endangered mountain gorillas.
Katwe
A historic salt-mining village on a crater lake within Queen Elizabeth National Park, famous for its traditional salt extraction.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
🗺️
Adrar Oil Refinery
A refinery in southern Algeria supplying fuel to the local market in the Saharan regions.
Touat Gas Field
A major gas development project in Adrar province, ensuring the country's gas supply.
Atlas Mountains
A major mountain range in North Africa.
🗺️
Mount Tshiaberimu
An isolated mountain massif on the western edge of Lake Edward.
Lubero Mountain Farms
Due to the cool high altitude, European vegetables such as potatoes and cabbage are grown in Lubero.
🗺️
Ishango Archaeological Site
At Ishango on Lake Edward, the famous Ishango bone was found, an over 20,000-year-old mathematical artifact with incised markings.
🗺️
Ruwenzori Mountains
The Ruwenzori Mountains, or 'Mountains of the Moon', are a range of snow-capped peaks on the border with Uganda.
Rwenzori Mountains
An equatorial mountain range also known as the 'Mountains of the Moon'.