​Algeria will launch 2 new 500MW solar projects

    Energy Transition and Renewable Energy Minister Chems Eddine Chitour said in Algiers on Monday that two new solar-based solar panel setup for home power generation projects (500 MW each) will be launched soon and seek cooperation partner.

    In an interview with National Radio 3, the minister stated, “At present, we have a total of 150 MW projects in preparation, and all have started bidding or are preparing for bidding. We will also propose two 500 MW plans, which will Enable us to choose partners".

    The minister explained that Algeria does not intend to build large-scale solar power plants, but invests in "small power stations built everywhere."

    He said: "We will not build 1,000-megawatt power stations. Depending on regional needs, we will build small power stations of 50, 100 or 150 MW."

    However, Minister Shatur pointed out that the necessary funds must be found.

    To this end, Algeria is pinning its hopes on its major foreign renewable energy leaders partners, especially China, Germany and the United States.

    Once the investment in Algeria's renewable energy program is adopted, future partners will be able to "get money saved from natural gas consumption."

    More specifically, he pointed out that a 1,000-megawatt thermal power plant consumes approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year, while a 1,000-megawatt solar power plant consumes approximately 500 million cubic meters of natural gas annually. He insisted that the saved natural gas will be sold and the country will earn an extra $200 million a year.

    He explained: "Part of the funds will be used to fund our renewable energy plan", he insisted that a real energy model needs to be established to clearly define the future outlook to 2030.

    When asked about the department’s plan to provide 4,000 megawatts of power generation by 2024, Minister Shatour believed that there is no plan to realize this huge project in the medium term.

    He said: "Frankly, I don't know what 4,000 MW plan is, and I don't like the announcement effect." He tends to gradually implement renewable energy plans from small power plants, while looking for necessary partners and funds.

    According to the interim report of the Commission for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CEREFE), since 2010, Algeria’s installed renewable energy capacity has not exceeded 400 MW.

    The head of the agency, Noureddine Yassaa, stated that the installed renewable energy installed capacity in Algeria between 2010 and 2019 is estimated to be about 390 MW, accounting for 22,000 MW of total installed capacity planned to be deployed by 2030. 1.8% of it.