As part of strengthening energy relations between Algeria and Niger, the Sonelgaz Group is accelerating the implementation of a strategic partnership with the Nigerien company Nigelec. Training engineers in Adrar, sending experts to Niamey, and launching a 40 MW power plant project—this cooperation, revived thanks to the orientations of the highest authorities of both countries, is entering its operational phase.
The executive director in charge of prospects, strategy, and information systems at the Sonelgaz Group, Oualid Kremia, explains this dynamic of strengthening international cooperation engaged by Algeria. This development comes as a delegation of Nigerien engineers from Nigelec arrived this Monday in Algeria to follow a specialized training cycle.
According to Mr. Kremia, this revival fits within the framework of instructions from the President of the Republic aimed at strengthening cooperation between Algeria and Niger, as well as the orientations of the Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies. It also follows the official visit of the Nigerien president to Algeria on February 15 and 16.
In this context, cooperation between Sonelgaz and Nigelec has been reactivated around two main axes. The first focuses on strengthening the Nigerien power system through the rehabilitation of networks and increasing production capacities in Niger. The second axis concerns transferring Algerian expertise in electricity and gas sectors, particularly through specialized training programs, Mr. Kremia specified during his appearance on National Radio.
To materialize this cooperation, a videoconference meeting was held last February between Sonelgaz and Nigelec officials, allowing for a detailed examination of partnership axes and ways to accelerate their implementation. Bilateral agreements are thus in the process of being finalized, the same official announced. On this occasion, Sonelgaz reaffirmed, through its state-of-the-art infrastructure and recognized experience in the energy sector, its willingness to actively contribute to the success of this partnership.
Two urgent decisions were adopted during this meeting: sending a team of Sonelgaz specialists to Niamey to evaluate the site intended to host a future power plant, and hosting a Nigerien delegation for in-depth training in Algeria.
In this framework, Mr. Kremia recalled that a technical team from Nigelec arrived this Monday for a comprehensive three-week training program at Sonelgaz’s Engineering Training School in Adrar. This program aims to equip participants with the skills necessary for the overall operation of power plants, particularly the one to be installed soon in Niamey.
Parallel to this, a delegation of Sonelgaz technical experts traveled to Niamey on February 27. At the end of this mission, a joint action plan was finalized and adopted. Two mixed teams, bringing together representatives from Sonelgaz, the relevant Nigerien ministry, and Nigelec, have been formed to accelerate project implementation and ensure coordination among stakeholders.
The project involves installing two gas turbines with a unit capacity of 20 MW, for a total capacity of 40 MW, in the Guru Banda area of Niamey. Preparatory work includes site inspection, necessary technical studies, and adherence to a detailed roadmap outlining all implementation stages.
A second team conducted visits to proposed sites for equipment storage. The materials and accessories, currently in the final preparation phase in Algeria, will soon be shipped to Niger. The goal is to anticipate technical and logistical constraints to ensure rapid deployment of the project. The mission concluded with a coordination meeting with local authorities, dedicated to evaluating progress and defining next steps.
With a capacity of 40 MW, the future power plant will bolster existing capacities in Niger. It will expand electricity access to a larger portion of the population, support industrial development, and generate significant socio-economic impact, not only in Niamey but potentially in other regions.
This project fits into a broader vision of sustainable cooperation between Algeria and Niger, aimed at increasing the electrification rate and supporting the country’s energy development. According to the same official, other similar projects could emerge, depending on the evolution of discussions between the two parties.