Algerian Radio
The Director of Information and Communication at the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, Khalil Hodna, confirmed the government's pursuit of a full partnership based on the implementation of major strategic projects, in accordance with the directives of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, aimed at strengthening cooperation between Algeria and the Republic of Niger in the energy sector.
Speaking this Thursday on the "Guest of the Morning" program on Radio Channel 1, Hodna explained that the Ministry of Energy, through the Sonelgaz group, has initiated the process of relaunching cooperation with the Nigerien electricity company "Nigelec" in several areas, primarily supporting the electricity grid in Niger and transferring Algerian expertise across various specializations, particularly through training programs.
New 40 MW Power Plant in Niamey
The spokesperson noted that the project involves the construction of an electricity production plant in the Gourou Banda area of the Nigerien capital, Niamey. This entails the installation of two gas turbines with a capacity of 20 MW each, increasing production capacity by an additional 40 MW. This will contribute to stabilizing Niger's national electricity grid, improving service quality, and meeting the growing demand for energy.
Joint Action Plan to Accelerate Implementation
He added that this step falls within the path of strengthening bilateral cooperation between Algeria and Niger. In this context, a video conference meeting was held between officials of both companies to discuss ways to accelerate cooperation.
Furthermore, the Sonelgaz group continued its technical mission in Niamey regarding the power plant project, accompanying Nigelec in technical and logistic aspects. This fosters South-South partnership and supports energy integration to serve energy security and sustainable development in both countries.
During these meetings, a joint action plan was established, and two field teams comprising representatives from Sonelgaz, the Ministry, and Nigelec were formed. The first team was tasked with inspecting the plant site and studying preparations for turbine installation, while the second team evaluated proposed sites for electrical equipment warehouses.
Transferring Algerian Expertise and Modernizing Niger's Electricity Sector
Hodna emphasized that this dynamic reflects Sonelgaz's commitment to accompanying its partners in Niger through an integrated approach.
Algerian experience contributes to modernizing Niger's energy sector by transferring technical expertise and digitization to Nigelec, training staff on grid management, building advanced photovoltaic or thermal plants, and digitizing distribution operations.
Establishment of a Central Electrical Equipment Warehouse in Niamey
Hodna revealed that Sonelgaz has begun establishing a central warehouse for electrical equipment in Niamey to support electricity projects and provide necessary spare parts. He pointed out that Sonelgaz possesses significant experience, with local integration rates in manufacturing electrical and gas equipment ranging between 70% and 100%.
Expanding Partnership with Other African Nations
Regarding the expansion of partnerships to other African countries, Hodna expressed Algeria's readiness to accompany Burkina Faso across the entire electricity value chain. He also mentioned the launch of strategic partnership agreements with Mozambique, covering energy infrastructure projects and training programs.
Subsea Cable Project to Export Electricity to Europe
In a related context, Hodna revealed a strategic project being realized between Algeria and Italy, consisting of a subsea transmission line to export Algerian electricity, particularly clean and green energy, to Europe.
Sonelgaz and Sonatrach have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Italian company Eni to study the feasibility of the project, which aims to export about 2,000 MW.
National Program for 15,000 MW of Renewable Energies
Hodna disclosed that the state has launched an ambitious program to produce 15,000 MW of renewable energies by 2035. He clarified that nine plants will enter service in 2026, including the Laghrouss plant in Biskra and Tandala in El M'Ghair (200 MW each), in addition to El Foulia in El Oued (300 MW).
Towards a Sustainable Energy Mix
Hodna affirmed that the state's future direction is based on transitioning towards sustainable energy through an energy mix. He added that Algeria currently produces about 27,000 MW of electricity, of which only one-third is consumed nationally, prompting President Tebboune to issue instructions to access external markets and export the surplus.
