Algerian Radio
The Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, and the Chadian Minister of Water and Energy, Yassali Kanabe Marcelin, signed an agreement Thursday in Algiers to build a 40-megawatt (MW) power plant in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena. This step aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and implement the directives of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to support African countries and promote South-South cooperation.
The agreement followed talks between Mr. Adjal and his Chadian counterpart, who is on a working visit to Algeria. The discussions reviewed prospects for bilateral cooperation in energy and renewable energies, focusing on concrete projects in electricity production, transmission, distribution, the supply of electrical and gas equipment, and training.
Mr. Adjal noted that the technical study for the power plant has been completed following the mission of Sonelgaz technical teams to Chad last week. He indicated that both parties are ready to move to the equipment export phase in preparation for laying the project's foundation stone.
The Minister also revealed the arrival of Chadian technical teams for a one-month training program at Sonelgaz schools in Algeria. These teams will eventually operate the power plant once it enters service. He added that cooperation will also extend to the rehabilitation of the electricity grid in the Chadian capital.
For his part, Mr. Marcelin described the agreement as a "historic milestone" in South-South cooperation and a significant step in Algerian-Chadian relations. He highlighted that the leaders of both countries laid the foundation for strong cooperation during the official visit of Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to Algeria last April.
The Chadian minister expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic for his support, stating that Algeria has become a "true reference" for many African countries, particularly in the electricity sector, given its production capacities.
Mr. Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, stated that the power plant in Chad will be "100% Algerian" in terms of construction, equipment, and labor. He noted that Chadian authorities would soon begin site preparation while equipment is being transported to start the works. He emphasized the company's goal to expand in Africa, noting that since its establishment last March, Sonelgaz International has received numerous requests from African countries for energy and infrastructure projects.
The General Manager of the Chadian Electricity Company, Saleh Ben Haliki, praised the project as the first fruit of the "new relations" between Algeria and Chad, reiterating Chad's desire to benefit from Algerian expertise, describing Algeria as a "true reference" in electricity coverage.
