Algeria Participates in the IAEA Inaugural Ministerial Meeting of the WFEG in Rome
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, participated on Wednesday in the inaugural ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (AIEA) in the Italian capital, Rome.
The event was attended by the Algerian Ambassador to Italy, Mohamed Khelifi, the CEO of Sonelgaz Group, Mourad Adjal, and the Commissioner for Atomic Energy Commission (COMENA), Abdelhamid Mellah. It was co-chaired by the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, represented by the State Secretary to the Prime Minister, Alfredo Mantovano, and the IAEA Director General, Rafael Mariano Grossi.
The ministerial meeting was attended by senior international policymakers, scientists, experts, investors and decision-makers, and came as part of global efforts to develop nuclear fusion energy as an innovative and sustainable energy solution to address the energy and climate challenges facing the world.
In his opening remarks, Mohamed Arkab stressed the remarkable scientific progress in the field of nuclear fusion research, noting that this technology provides reliable and safe energy solutions that can contribute to reducing carbon emissions and overcoming reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
The Minister explained that fusion energy, being a nearly unlimited source of energy, represents a huge opportunity to diversify energy sources in Algeria, in addition to its role in reducing negative environmental impacts. He explained that Algeria is committed to achieving sustainable energy transformation by investing in this modern technology.
The Minister of Energy and Mines indicated that Algeria seeks to develop a pilot project for fusion energy, to enhance national capabilities in this advanced field. He added that this step comes within the framework of Algeria’s efforts to become a major player in the fusion energy sector worldwide, especially through developing national human resources in this specialized field.
“Algeria sees fusion energy as a low-carbon alternative that provides modern and sustainable energy solutions. Algeria is working to diversify its energy sources, through renewable energies and hydrogen, which are set to witness further expansion in the coming years”.
In a related context, the Minister confirmed the importance of international cooperation in developing this advanced technology, especially in facing the technical challenges posed by nuclear fusion energy. He also pointed out that the African continent represents a promising area for implementing these sustainable energy solutions, as some of its regions suffer from poor access to energy. He reiterated Algeria’s commitment to supporting the efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency in facilitating technical cooperation and international scientific exchange in this field.
The Minister concluded his address by stressing the need for collective cooperation and the commitment of countries to develop nuclear fusion energy as one of the main solutions to global energy challenges, which contributes to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable energy for future generations. He expressed Algeria’s readiness to work side by side with its international partners to achieve real development in nuclear fusion technology that benefits all countries of the world.
The meeting witnessed active participation from countries and international institutions working to develop fusion energy as part of sustainable solutions to address the challenges of energy security and climate change.
During this event, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched two fusion publications – the World Fusion Outlook 2024 and Fusion Key Elements – underscoring the growing interest and progress in developing fusion technology to provide a clean, safe and limitless source of energy.
In its second edition, the World Fusion Outlook 2024 provides an overview of the current state and direction of the fusion field. Fusion Key Elements highlights the importance of sharing a common vision and understanding of the path leading to the commercialization of fusion energy among all stakeholders involved.
