Algiers – On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Minister of State, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energies, Mohamed Arkab, held talks in Rome with Alessandra Bassini, the CEO of the Italian company Zhero. The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and investment in the energy sector, according to a statement from the ministry.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the first ministerial meeting for energy ministers of the countries involved in the “Southern Hydrogen Corridor” (SoutH2 Corridor) project. Also in attendance were Algeria’s Ambassador to Italy, the Secretary of State for Renewable Energies, Nour Eddine Yassa, and the CEOs of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, Rachid Hachichi and Mourad Adjal, along with senior officials from the ministry.
The discussions explored opportunities to enhance collaboration in the field of new and renewable energies, particularly in solar photovoltaic electricity production, the development of green hydrogen, and ammonia, the statement noted.
A key topic during the talks was the proposed electrical interconnection between Algeria and Italy, with a special focus on the “Medlink” project. This initiative aims to establish a high-voltage undersea power line with a 2,000 MW capacity, directly linking Algeria to Italy. The project has been recognized as a major undertaking by the European Union, the statement added.
Minister Arkab highlighted Algeria’s vast potential to become a leading supplier of clean electricity to Europe. He emphasized that Algeria’s robust infrastructure and abundant natural resources position it as a regional energy hub. The Medlink project, he explained, is central to accelerating the energy transition and supporting sustainable development by bolstering local supply and creating export opportunities for European markets.
The Minister also outlined Algeria’s progress on its national renewable energy program, which targets the development of 15,000 MW of solar photovoltaic energy by 2035. Sonelgaz has already launched the first phase of the program, which includes 3,200 MW of solar capacity. Additionally, he emphasized that Algeria’s ongoing efforts to enhance electrical connectivity between the northern and southern regions of the country will play a key role in integrating renewable energy domestically.
For her part, Ms. Bassini expressed her company’s strong interest in and commitment to the Medlink project, describing it as a strategic step toward strengthening energy interconnection between Algeria and Italy. She also shared her company’s vision for advancing renewable energy development in Algeria through cutting-edge technologies.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to advancing cooperation in renewable energy, promoting innovation, and sharing expertise to achieve the goals of energy transition and sustainable development, the statement concluded.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
Strengthening Algeria-Italy Energy Ties: Medlink and Renewable Energy Collaboration
