Despite Algeria’s reliance on gas and oil resources for power generation, the country has gradually increased its renewable energy potential in recent years. The Algerian government has set ambitious
. By 2030, the country aims to reach a clean energy capacity of 22,000 megawatts. It expects to generate most of its renewable power through solar photovoltaic technology, with a capacity of around 14,000 megawatts, followed by wind energy at 5,000 megawatts. Considering a reported
of 686 megawatts in 2021, the government has planned substantial projects to increase infrastructural and financial investment and successfully shift to green energy sources.
Solar energy to drive renewables growth
In terms of production, Algeria recorded a
renewable energy output of 721 gigawatt hours in 2020, after a peak of 840 gigawatt hours registered one year prior. Solar power is the
primary green source in the country, alone accounting for approximately 660 gigawatt hours of renewable generation in 2020. Thanks to vast desert areas and long sunshine hours, Algeria boasts considerable solar potential. That explains why the country predominantly aims to improve its solar photovoltaic infrastructure to drive the clean energy transition rather than focusing on hydro and wind power plants. Although Algeria currently produces significantly less clean power than Egypt and Morocco, the leading
renewable markets in North Africa, its renewable potential is substantial.
Opportunities for a fossil-reliant industry
Despite the recent increase in renewable energy capacity and generation, ambitious targets, and investment plans,
Algeria’s energy mix has remained predominantly fossil based. In 2021, almost all the energy produced in the country was derived from natural gas and oil products. The same applied to the type of
power consumed. Depending on fossil energy, the country is among Africa’s leading carbon dioxide (CO2) polluters in both
cumulative and
per capita emissions. As most emissions come from natural gas and oil processing, the renewable transition becomes crucial to reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Additionally, clean power offers further opportunities to Algeria, a leading energy supplier in Africa and Europe. By meeting a larger part of the rising internal demand with renewable electricity, the country could consequently increase its energy exports.
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