Algeria plans to set up 1,000 MW of solar capacity distributed in medium-sized plants. The infrastructure will be put in place with the technical and financial support of the partners, then paid for thanks to the savings made on national gas consumption.
Algeria plans to launch two programs of 500 MW of solar power plants each. This announcement was made by Chems Eddine Chitour (photo), the Minister of Energy Transition and Renewable Energies. “Right now, we have 150 MW which are in the pipeline, and for which tenders have either been launched or are in the process of being. Then, we will propose two programs of 500 MW each, which will allow us to choose our partners ”, affirmed the person in charge.
The objective of this program is to set up numerous small-scale power plants throughout the Algerian territory. Initially, the country relies on its partners to finance these infrastructures. It will rely in particular on the major renewable energy leaders such as China, Germany and the United States.
Once the projects are executed, the partners will be paid with the funds saved thanks to the savings made in terms of natural gas consumption. The installation of 1,000 MW of solar power plants in place of gas plants will allow the country to sell the gas not consumed for an annual income of around $ 200 million according to the minister. “And we will use these funds to finance, in part, our renewable energy plan, ” he said.
Chems Eddine Chitour also specified that the sector plan aiming at the installation of 4,000 MW by 2024 is not foreseen in the medium term. “Frankly, I don’t know anything about 4,000 MW and I don’t like the announcement effects , ” the Minister insisted on.
