As Algeria aims to speed up its energy transition and diversify its electricity mix, off-grid solar initiatives and future wind power plants are undergoing intensified supervision. The Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, established precise deadlines to clear bottlenecks and expedite execution, while providing renewed momentum to energy cooperation with Chad, Benin, and Niger.
To this end, Mr. Adjal chaired a working session of the ministry’s sectoral coordination committee on Thursday, dedicated to reviewing several high-priority portfolio files, particularly the rollout of standalone off-grid solar units, wind farm ventures, and energy collaboration with Chad, Benin, and Niger.
The assembly took place in the presence of several executive officials and central leaders from the sector, alongside key executives from the Sonelgaz Group. It provided an opportunity to assess the status of various endeavors and examine necessary steps for their fruition.
Regarding off-grid solar, participants evaluated preparations ahead of launching construction and installation operations for autonomous solar units. Focus was centered on identifying priority regions and sites, ensuring coordination among involved structures, institutions, and operators, as well as drafting a precise timetable for implementation and field monitoring.
Supervision is expected to continue through all execution phases until the units become operational, stated an official ministry press release.
The status of wind power generation facilities was also scrutinized. Discussions centered on tracking technical studies, identifying viable locations to host these installations, and completing essential technical and regulatory steps prior to breaking ground.
On this occasion, the minister underscored the imperative of bolstering coordination among diverse stakeholders to accelerate project delivery.
The segment focused on energy cooperation with Chad, Benin, and Niger also held a prominent place during deliberations.
Concerning Chad, the session allowed officials to evaluate the construction project for a 40-megawatt power station in N’Djamena. Technical and regulatory dimensions were analyzed alongside steps needed to guarantee progress according to the established schedule.
For Benin, talks centered on the status of bilateral energy cooperation, notably tracking the fulfillment of commitments and agreements signed between both parties, pinpointing priority focus areas, and bringing agreed-upon programs to fruition.
In Niger, the ministry surveyed active files and ongoing initiatives in Niamey and Agadez, alongside the trajectory of bilateral energy collaboration. Overseeing procedures across various files aims specifically to strengthen coordination and pursue joint-interest projects.
Following the session, Mourad Adjal issued a series of directives designed to reinforce monitoring across all files and speed up project execution.
The minister specifically requested defining priority actions for each file, establishing firm completion deadlines, and clearly outlining responsibilities among involved departments.
He further called for enhanced coordination between relevant agencies, bodies, and operators, while ensuring consistent ground-level monitoring of project progress.
Establishing an effective tracking and evaluation framework, paired with periodic status reports on projects and files, likewise formed part of the issued guidelines.
Finally, the minister urged removing identified hurdles and accelerating project completion and commitments within assigned timeframes.
In this context, Mourad Adjal emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring and seamless coordination across sectoral entities to guarantee the tangible realization of projects and partnerships, while fortifying energy ties with partner nations.