Offering its companies a low electricity price of about DZD 4. 03)/kWh, Algeria envisions becoming a hub for solar glass production, both for its domestic market and for US manufacturers, to replace Asian markets affected by an import ban on their photovoltaic equipment.
Will Algeria become a hub for solar glass production?
Offering its companies a low electricity price of about DZD 4.68 ($0.03)/kWh, Algeria envisions becoming a hub for solar glass production, both for its domestic market and for US manufacturers, to replace Asian markets affected by an import ban on their photovoltaic equipment.
What is Algeria doing with solar energy?
Building on the Solar 2,000 MW and Solar 1,000 MW programs launched by Algeria's state-owned company Sonelgaz, which include a wide range of solar energy initiatives, the government aims to diversify its revenue streams and reduce reliance on natural gas, which is currently primarily used for power generation in the country.
“In total, Algeria has an assembly capacity of 500 MW for solar modules, which is expected to increase to 600 MW to 700 MW by the end of 2025,” said Clean Power's Bakli. Alongside Zergoun, the manufacturer Lagua Solaire has 200 MW of annual capacity for solar panel production in Algeria.
The new fab will be the country's fourth solar panel manufacturing facility. Condor operates a 130 MW factory in Bordj Bou Arreridj and Aurés Solaire runs a 30 MW facility in the Ain Yagout industrial area near Batna, eastern Algeria.
Algeria's Hamdi Eurl won two 80 MW plants and domestic PV panel maker Zergoun, alongside Ozgun, secured 80 MW in Guerara. The 19 projects represent an investment of €1.8 billion ($1.96 billion) and the solar power prices proposed by the bidders ranged from €0.54/W to €0.81/W, with an average price of €0.625/W.
When will a 300 MW solar power plant be built in Algeria?
The state-owned China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) began building a 300 MW solar power plant in Algeria's Oued Province in March 2024 as part of the Solar 1,000 MW program. The project is slated for completion by late 2025 or early 2026.