According to the Algerian minister of Energy, the country intends to launch a solar project with a capacity of 5.6 GW to boost national power supply in the coming years. The project will be carried by Algerian companies through all its stages. No further details were provided.
Algeria, which commissioned its first solar power plant in 2011, now has 25 solar plants with a capacity of 435 MW. Algeria's power mix remains dominated by gas, since gas-fired power plants account for nearly 99% of its total power generation. Ramping up or maintaining the level of gas and oil exports so that they will be less used for power generation purposes is a top priority for the country.
Algeria hopes to reach 22 GW of solar capacity by 2030, which would cover 27% of its electricity requirements by this date. The country is currently lacking electricity and gas supplies in some areas and the development of solar plants is expected to guarantee cheaper retail energy prices. Turning to solar power would help Algeria meet growing demand for electricity and save its gas production for export purposes.