Italian energy group Eni and gas grid operator Snam have clinched a partnership to jointly manage their assets in the gas pipelines connecting Algeria to Italy, the companies said on Tuesday.

With Russia curtailing its gas flows to Europe, Algeria last year emerged as Rome’s biggest gas supplier, making the network between the two countries a strategic infrastructure for Rome’s energy security.

In a joint statement, the two companies said they would also study how to develop the network to support energy transition and promote the use of hydrogen.