Italy’s 150m Euros Contract to Produce Solar Energy in Algeria

Photovoltaic solar projects in Algeria are expected to revive the Valesca plant, which was hit by the crisis and closed after the Covid-19 pandemic in Italy through a 150 million euro deal to produce energy conversion systems for solar panels.

In this context, the company “MapsEnergy Spa”, owned by the “Carzaniga” family, announced that it had obtained a contract worth 150 million euros from the Algerian government, specifically for the benefit of the state electricity company, referring to “Sonelgaz”, to implement a huge project in the former “Fimer” factory in the city of “Vimercate”, noting that this project is part of the Algerian National Energy Plan 2020-2030, which aims to develop renewable energies with investments exceeding 10 billion euros, through projects that exploit the Algerian desert with its high solar radiation to produce clean energy that meets the needs of Algeria and the North African countries.

According to Italian media, such as the Prima Monza website, the Valesca factory experienced a stifling crisis during the Cvid-19 pandemic, especially with its acquisition of another factory in the city of Terranuova Bracciolini in the province of Arezzo, explaining that while the second factory was saved after difficult negotiations with a British investment fund that became the new owner, the Valesca factory did not have the same luck, as it entered into the judicial administration, which led to the dismissal of a large number of workers.

The Algerian deal is expected to create 120 jobs in the Italian factory that produces solar energy conversion systems. The project will preserve the technological know-how developed by research and development teams over decades in the region.

The same source added that the “Maps Energy” project is linked to Algeria’s plans to promote clean energy and expand international cooperation and is in line with the “Mattei Plan” proposed by the Italian Prime Minister to promote industrial and technological innovation. The source explained that this deal represents a new model for Algerian-Italian relations aiming to achieve new economic horizons that serve both parties.

As is known, two huge solar energy projects, “Solar 2000” and “Solar 1000,” are currently being implemented in Algeria to produce 3000 megawatts of clean electricity from photovoltaic solar stations, to which 200 megawatts will be added as part of a station being built for the “Gara Djebilet” mining project in Tindouf (southern Algerie).

Algeria will join the club of major renewable energies, especially solar energy by implementing these important projects.

Previously, the National Electricity and Gas Company “Sonelgaz” launched a tender to build 3 solar stations in the Algerian Sahara, one in Bechar with a capacity of 120 megawatts, and two stations in Touggourt with a capacity of 150 and 250 megawatts.