Algeria and all of North Africa have abundant solar resources and have decided to use these resources to diversify its mix, save money, and even generate revenue.
Algeria will launch a tender for the installation of 1,000 MW of photovoltaic power plants in June. According to Chems Eddine Chitour (pictured), the Minister of Energy Transition, this will be 10 10 MW power plants located in 10 wilayas in the country.
In addition to the accessibility of the resource, this project will allow Algeria to save the gas on which it is heavily dependent for its electricity production. “If we can produce 1,000 MW, we will gain 300 million cubic meters of gas,” the official said. A gas that can then be exported.
To oversee all subsector projects, a company dedicated to renewable energy is planned. An initiative including Sonatrach, the national hydrocarbons company and Sonelgaz, the electricity and gas company, will be the main players.
“This society must be born. It’s an obligation. If the energy transition is likely to succeed in Algeria, it will be thanks to Sonatrach and Sonelgaz,”the minister said.
The establishment of these plants is part of the national energy transition policy, which aims to provide the country with 15 GW of solar by 2035.
Source: Agence Ecofin
