Algeria to Increase Energy Exports to Europe
Algeria is ready to boost its energy exports with a new electricity cable to Europe through Italy, utilizing its vast energy reserves against the backdrop of increasing global demand. Over the weekend, Algeria’s Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab, announced the “historic project” during a visit to the Sonelgaz facility, the state-owned electricity and gas company. Sonatrach and Sonelgaz are preparing to sign agreements to build an underwater cable connecting Algeria to Europe. This cable will allow Algeria to export electricity generated from gas power plants.
Algeria to Build Electricity Transmission Line to Europe
Algeria is planning to build an electricity transmission line to Europe in order to export clean energy generated from alternative sources, particularly solar power, reports Newarab. The preparations for signing the contracts are underway, after which the construction of the line will begin,” said Arkab, without providing further details.
The Algerian minister did not specify whether the funding for this project is provided by the European Commission or other sources. Discussions for a gas pipeline between Algeria and Rome began in 2022, as Italy and other European countries sought alternatives to Russian energy supplies following the war.
Underwater Power Cable Project Between Algeria and Italy
In a move aimed at boosting energy transmission capabilities, the Algerian Ministry of Energy has announced plans to collaborate with the Italian Ministry of Energy Transition on a project to lay an underwater power cable connecting the eastern coast of Algeria to the Italian island of Sardinia.
The project, which will start from the Shafiah area in the eastern coastal province of El Tarf, aims to establish a direct link for electricity transmission between the two regions. The cable will traverse the Mediterranean Sea to reach Sardinia, with an initial estimated annual transmission capacity of 2000 megawatts.
The Algerian government sees this project as a strategic step towards enhancing energy cooperation and ensuring a reliable power supply between Algeria and Italy, ultimately contributing to the development of both countries’ energy sectors.
The European Commission’s Energy Support
The European Commission is considering increasing Europe’s energy needs following the start of the Russo-Ukrainian war. The European Commission is able to finance strategic projects, such as energy, outside the European continent, if they are included in the list of projects of common interest for EU countries. In April, Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf revealed that some European countries have requested Algeria to increase gas supplies to the continent amid the ongoing global energy crisis, exacerbated by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Algeria-Bulgaria Energy Partnership
Discussions were held between Algeria and Bulgaria regarding energy partnerships. This new project comes at a time when Algeria is experiencing a significant surplus in electricity production, exceeding 6000 megawatts per day. The surplus is due to power plants running on natural gas, with Algeria’s production reaching 137 billion cubic meters by 2023. Sonatrach aims to increase this to 200 billion by 2027.
