Algeria intends to launch a tender for 1,000 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in June 2021. The program will include ten wilayas (provinces) in southern Algeria with 100 MW for each. Turning to solar power would help Algeria meet the growing demand for electricity and save gas production for export purposes. In addition, a new company dedicated to renewables should be launched, with the national power utility Sonelgaz and gas company Sonatrach taking part to its creation.
The Algerian government aims to reach 16 GW of renewable power capacity by 2035. 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. Algeria's generation capacity remains heavily dominated by gas-fired power plants which account for 93% of the country's total capacity, with 20.5 GW (2019). Solar capacities have been growing since 2010 and Algeria now has 25 solar plants with a total capacity of 448 MW. In May 2020, the country presented a plan to develop several solar power plants with a total capacity of 4 GW over the 2020-2024 period, at a cost of US$3.2-3.6bn.
Do you want to become an expert on renewable energies auctions?
Discover our very detailed and regularly updated RES auctions database with worldwide coverage and a technical focus backed by academic research.
With our renewable energies auctions service you will be able to monitor auctions at a global level. Its (expanding) scope notably includes all major G20 countries and offers an especially fine tracking on Europe and South America.