Algeria to seeks interest for renewable energy projects
The Algerian government has recently informed that it is planning the addition of 4,500 MW renewable power capacity by 2020.
According to different sources, the government plans to tender renewable energy projects very soon as part of a bigger program.
The plan is part of the national program for development of renewable energy adopted on May 24, 2015. The program consists of installing up to 22,000 MW of power generating capacity (25% of the electricity generation capacity in the country) from renewable sources between 2011 and 2030, of which 12,000 MW will be destined to meet the domestic electricity demand and 10 000 MW for export.
The national potential for renewable energy is dominated by solar energy. Algeria considers this source of energy as an opportunity for economic and social development. The potential for wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower energies is comparatively very small.
The division of this program by technology sector, appears as follows:
- Solar Photovoltaic : 13 575 MW
- Wind : 5010 MW
- Solar thermal : 2000 MW
- Biomass : 1 000 MW
- Co-generation : 400 MW
- Geothermal : 15 MW
The legal framework that would allow national and foreign private investors to participate in this development is already implemented. Lately, the provinces of Hauts Plateaux and Sud have signed contracts to identify suitable sites for solar power installation.
Algerian state-owned gas and electricity operator Sonelgaz is currently managing a 400 MW program in implementation phase. 84 MW have already started operation and the rest are expected to be commissioned by June or July this year, according to Algerian Renewable Energies Development Center (CDER).
