Algerian Radio
The Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, emphasized on Monday afternoon in the wilaya of Biskra that Algeria, "backed by its potential and its production surplus, aims to become a major hub for electricity export."
The minister specified, on the sidelines of the inauguration of a 200-megawatt photovoltaic power plant in the municipality of El Ghrous, in the presence of the wali of Biskra, Lakhdar Seddas, that Algeria, "having become an important energy hub on the African continent, is today capable of exporting large quantities of electricity." He further highlighted that the country's highest authorities "aim to export, in the long term, more than 15,000 megawatts."
Mr. Adjal added that the first phase of this project, "effectively launched two years ago, covers a production of 3,200 megawatts," stressing that the El Ghrous and Tendla (wilaya of El Meghaïer) photovoltaic power plants, which produce 400 megawatts and were inaugurated this Monday, "are part of this phase, which is included in the energy program of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune."
He also indicated, in this same context, that Algeria "is actively working with partners in Africa and Europe to build a submarine cable allowing for the export of significant quantities of this energy."
Discussing the importance of building such power plants, the minister affirmed that they constitute "a major asset as they strengthen the national electricity network, contribute to the production of exportable green energy, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, limit the use of fossil fuels, and make it possible to free up significant quantities of gas that will be destined for export."
The minister also specified that under his department's action program, connection to the electricity grid "covers all sectors, including agriculture." He added, in this regard, that the wilaya of Biskra has made a "leap forward" in this area, since more than 13,000 agricultural farms out of a total of 16,000 are connected to this vital energy, and that the electricity coverage rate there has reached nearly 90%, thereby exceeding the national average estimated at 75%.
Mr. Adjal also highlighted that the wilaya of Biskra has an energy capacity exceeding 1,280 megavolt-amperes (MVA), of which "only 51% is being exploited." This, he said, reflects "the energy self-sufficiency of the wilaya," emphasizing that the continuous efforts deployed on the ground by the Sonelgaz group "aim to address shortcomings and strengthen networks, in concert with local authorities."
