Algeria … a sleeping giant in solar power but with low output

A recent study has revealed that Algeria possesses the most important solar power potential in the world together with Iran and the US State of Arizona.

However, despite being endowed with this mega solar potential across its territory, Algeria has been described by the study as a sleeping giant with a weak potential owing to the lack of basic infrastructures in this vital field of renewable energy stemming from wind and sun.

Taking the floor during an international conference on solar PV technologies organized by the Algerian Condor Company in the city of Bordj Bou Arreridj in eastern Algeria, Algerian expert Mouloud Bakali said that Algeria’s solar power output remains limited despite the fact that the country possesses one of the world’s biggest potential in this renewable energy.

For his part, the CEO of the Condor Group, Abderrahmane Benhamadi called for an equitable treatment on the part of the authorities concerned with the Chinese firms in the allotment of markets for the achievement of solar farms in Algeria.

He said that the Condor Group aims at the long-term adding that Condor would continue to invest a lot in this field of endeavour.

Several photovoltaic solar power plant projects with a total capacity of 343 megawatts (MW) are underway in Algeria, the representative of the electricity and renewable energy company (SKTM, a Sonelgaz group’s subsidiary) said at a seminar recently held in Algiers. 

Those projects are being carried out especially in the provinces of the High Plateaux and the country’s south, SKTM’s engineering project chief, said at a meeting about renewable energies organized by the Algerian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK). The power production capacity will thus be enhanced by 90 MW from renewable energy sources in the provinces of Setif, Bordj Bouarreridj, Batna, Mila and Souk Ahras.                                                                                                      

The provinces of Saida, Naama, El Bayadh and Sidi Bel Abbes will benefit from four power plants with a total capacity of 85 MW.      

An additional 90 MW capacity will profit to the provinces of M’sila, Djelfa, Laghouat, and Ouargla, through such plants, the official said.                                                                         Seven solar power plants totalling a 53 MW capacity are also underway to cover In Salah, Adrar and Timimoun.    

Other solar power plants will be built in the regions of Tindouf (9 MW), Djanet (3 MW) and Tamanrasset (13 MW).