Algerian Radio
Noureddine Salmi, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, stated that Algeria has become an energy hub par excellence in Africa, with citizens' access to electricity reaching 99 percent and gas access reaching 75 percent, backed by an electricity production capacity exceeding 27,000 megawatts. This robust infrastructure has led the sector's strategic plan to include the goal of accessing international markets.
During his appearance this Monday on the "Forum El Oula" program on Radio Channel 1, Salmi added that Algeria's long-standing experience and the high caliber of its experts paved the way for the launch of "Sonelgaz International" two months ago. This new entity will enable the group to penetrate international markets, particularly in Africa. Several projects have already been programmed along the axis of Niger, Chad, Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire, and other nations, with the aim of developing neighboring countries and strengthening Algeria's capabilities in energy and renewable energies.
For his part, Khaled Nouasri, CEO of the Algerian Electricity Production Company, affirmed that Sonelgaz International possesses significant expertise and capabilities in executing major projects. This qualifies the company to enter foreign markets and support African nations in developing their foundational infrastructure in this sector.
Salmi also pointed out that the Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Renewable Energies, and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, is traveling to Chad today to lay the foundation stone for the Algerian-Chadian solidarity power generation plant in the capital, N'Djamena, which will have a production capacity of 40 megawatts. Prior to this, the minister traveled to the Nigerien capital, Niamey, a few days ago, where he supervised the commissioning of a similar electricity production plant, built entirely by Algerian hands and expertise in record time.
Nouasri further revealed that, in addition to these two plants, other projects are currently underway in both countries aimed at rehabilitating and reinforcing their electrical grids, as well as training the local workforce to operate and maintain these facilities.
In the same context, Salmi reported that these two experiences have proven Algeria's high competence and capabilities in the field. Consequently, many other African countries have requested to benefit from Algeria's services and expertise in electrical energy. This interest extends to European countries as well, such as Italy, through a submarine cable project that will span a distance of 300 kilometers.
In the realm of clean energies, the official added that there is another major project involving Italy, Germany, and Austria, stretching over 3,300 kilometers for the export of green hydrogen. The project is currently under study following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Algeria and these European nations, and it is expected to facilitate the export of approximately 4 million tons of hydrogen.
