After focusing on solar energy, Algeria is now studying a project to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) of wind energy. The Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies has begun examining this initiative following a recent study that highlighted Algeria’s “considerable potential” in this sector, according to Noureddine Yassaâ, the Secretary of State for Renewable Energies, in a statement made in Algiers.
During the 2nd International Workshop on Renewable Energies, Mr. Yassaâ explained that Algeria is working to incorporate wind energy into its future renewable energy projects. He announced that, “in collaboration with the World Bank, we are currently studying the launch of a project to produce 1,000 megawatts of wind energy across ten promising sites.”
This project is part of a broader national renewable energy program, aiming to produce 15,000 MW by 2035. Yassaâ also recalled the commencement of a project to produce 3,000 MW of solar energy through the creation of 20 new power plants, with a local integration rate of 35%.
Specific plans include building a 200 MW solar plant in Tindouf, utilizing storage solutions to meet regional demands and support the Gara Djebilet iron mine’s exploitation and related processing facilities. Additional plans involve hybridizing solar systems in diesel-powered electricity plants in the South and solar energy projects for Sonatrach sites.
The Secretary of State emphasized that the total renewable energy capacity in Algeria is expected to exceed 4,000 MW, which would save the equivalent of 1.3 million tonnes of natural gas and reduce CO2 emissions by 2.7 million tonnes annually.
Algeria Aims to Become a Green Hydrogen Hub
Regarding green hydrogen development, Algeria aspires to become a leading regional and international hub for the production and export of this new energy source. This ambition follows the adoption of a national strategy with key steps to overcome challenges in production, transformation, storage, and transportation, including mega-projects connecting Algeria to Europe.
To achieve this, pilot initiatives have been launched in partnership with European companies to develop skills and know-how in hydrogen technology, test various solutions, and conduct studies to assess the economic feasibility of transitioning to clean hydrogen, Mr. Yassaâ continued.
“Algeria is working on crafting a forward-looking national energy policy, defining sustainable modes of energy production and consumption, considering socioeconomic and environmental impacts to solidify the country’s leadership position in the global energy market,” stated the Secretary of State.
Under the energy management program, the ministry will focus on rationalizing energy consumption in key sectors like housing, transportation, and industry. This will be supported by clear action plans with performance indicators and a timeline for effective results, in coordination with various concerned sectors.
The Ministry of Energy will update the national strategy for renewable energy and energy efficiency development to create an integrated energy system that expands renewable energy use and improves energy efficiency across multiple fields.
The action plan developed by the sector aims to establish an efficient and attractive economic environment, supporting electricity production projects from renewable sources, including the development of local industry in the value chain, by modernizing legal and legislative frameworks and providing incentive tools and mechanisms.
The 2nd International Workshop on Renewable Energies, organized by the Algerian Club of Excellence and High Competencies, attended by Sofiane Chaib, the Secretary of State for the National Community Abroad, along with Algerian professors and researchers from within and outside the country, aims to gather researchers, engineers, industrial experts, and students to discuss major challenges in integrating solar energy into the grid, the roadmap for green hydrogen deployment, and the latest energy storage techniques.
This workshop will focus on the latest technological developments in renewable energy, integrating renewables into the electrical grid, energy project incubation accelerators, agro-energy in the South, the technological chain for green hydrogen production, and Algeria’s energy transition and future energy mix.
