Algeria has spent 12 thousand billion centimes (DA) in solar energy production

The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Nourredine Bouterfa, has announced that a national and international invitation to tender will be launched shortly for the achievement of a photovoltaic solar energy plant project in Algeria with a capacity of 4,000 megawatts.

The tender call is being finalized, Mr Bouterfa said, adding that the mega project includes the building of power plants and local manufacturing of equipment and materials intended for the projected photovoltaic solar plants, he disclosed.

The renewable energies’ program is a major generator of jobs and will highly contribute to industrialization, technological development and acquisition of skills, by giving a solid boost to the country’s socio-economic development, Mr Bouterfa stated.

He added that a major national plan for the development of renewable energies is well underway. 

The relevant plan will put in operation nearly 22,000 MW in green energy by 2035-2040, the minister underscored.

The energy minister also recalled that his sector had so far achieved 400 megawatts from renewable energies for an investment of 120 billion dinars, citing in particular the Hassi R’mel hybrid power plant with a capacity of more than 100 megawatts and the Ghardaïa pilot solar power plant (1.1 megawatt).

He also pointed to the 22 solar power stations with a capacity of 343 megawatts through 14 provinces of the country, of which 270 megawatts are already in service while another 73 megawatts will be put into service at the end of January 2017.

The national renewable energy development program will save 240 billion cubic meters of natural gas, or $ 63 billion dollars over 20 years, Mr Bouterfa underlined to this effect.