Renewable Energy Potential in Algeria: Perspectives

Algeria plays a key role in world energy markets as a leading producer and exporter of natural gas and liquefied natural gas. Algeria’s energy mix is almost exclusively based on fossil fuels, especially natural gas (93%). However, Algeria has enormous renewable energy potential, mainly solar, which the government is trying to harness by launching an ambitious Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program.

“Everywhere there is someone or something trying to make a difference. In this case, Algeria is playing an important role in producing and exporting natural gas and liquefied natural gas. But, sometimes it’s just about understanding the importance of what you’re doing. Even if you feel as if there are not that many people being impacted by this, the importance of what you are doing is the most valued”. Stated by Ben Tejes, CEO And Co-Founder of Ascend.

The country is aiming to generate 15 GW of electricity from renewable energy sources. Algeria’s renewable energy program is focused on developing and expanding the use of renewable resources, such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal and hydropower, in order to diversify energy sources and promote sustainable development of the country.

Solar Energy Potential in Algeria

On account of its geographical location, Algeria holds one of the highest solar potentials in the world which is estimated at 13.9 TWh per year. The country receives annual sunshine exposure equivalent to 2,500 KWh/m². Daily solar energy potential varies from 4.66 kWh/m² in the north to 7.26 kWh/m² in the south. The high solar potentials make people’s life easier with lots of environmentally-friendly products and services such as LED lighting, electricity production and car title loans.

In 2021, Algeria launched the 1000 MW Solar Initiative as part of its targets to reach 15 GW of renewables capacity by 2035. Nine solar plants with a combined capacity of 1,480 MW are expected to come online in Algeria in 2026 as the country is pushing to scale up clean energy generation. Among them are two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 400 MW. The El Ghrous plant in Biskra province and the Tindela facility in El M’Ghair province each have a capacity of 200 MW. Currently the installed solar capacity in the country is around 800 MW which is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

One of the world’s first hybrid solar power plant is located at Hassi R’Mel

The Hassi R’Mel integrated solar combined cycle power station is one of world’s first hybrid power stations. The plant combines a 25 MW parabolic trough concentrating solar power array, covering an area of over 180,000 m², in conjunction with a 130 MW combined cycle gas turbine plant, so cutting carbon emissions compared to a traditional power station. The gas turbine and steam cycle are fired by natural gas, with the steam turbine receiving additional solar-generated steam during the day. The plant began electricity production in June 2011.

Wind Energy Potential in Algeria

Algeria has promising wind energy potential of about 35 TWh/year. Almost half of the country experience significant wind speed. The country’s first wind farm has been built at Adrar with installed capacity of 10 MW with substantial funding from state-utility Sonelgaz. However, the country is yet to harness its wind power potential and serious efforts are required to tap into this important clean energy resource.

Biomass Energy Potential in Algeria

Algeria has good biomass energy potential in the form of solid wastes, date palm biomass, crop wastes and forestry residues. Solid waste is the best source of biomass potential in the country. According to the National Cadastre for Generation of Solid Waste in Algeria, annual generation of municipal wastes is more than 10 million tons. Solid wastes are usually disposed in open dumps or burnt wantonly. In recent time, they are starting to use recycled jutebags to minimize the impact of solid wastes.

Conclusion

Despite being a hydrocarbon-rich nation, Algeria is making concerted efforts to harness its renewable energy potential. Algeria’s renewable energy program is one of the most progressive in the MENA region and the government is making all-out efforts to secure investments, and reliable technology partners for ongoing and upcoming projects. It is expected that the country will emerge as a major player in international renewable energy arena in the coming years.