Algerian state-owned utility, Sonelgaz is planning to build 4.2GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 in a move designed to meet future domestic demand and establish an export market for electricity.
The first phase, which is expected to start in 2013, will include 1,228MW from PV power plants, followed by 2,475MW of concentrated solar (CSP) and 516MW of wind energy by 2022.
Sonelgaz’s plans form part of a national strategy to install 22GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Much of this will be for international export. Sonelgaz has already signed an agreement with the consortium behind the Desertec CHP programme to investigate a possible project for exporting 1GW of electricity to Europe.
Sonelgaz emphasized that much of the new capacity as possible would be manufactured within the country.
