ALGIERS – Noureddine Yassa, the Secretary of State for Renewable Energies at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, underscored Algeria’s pivotal and strategic role as a primary actor in Africa’s energy transition during his participation in the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, South Africa, according to a statement from the Ministry of Energy and Mines and Renewable Energies . Yassa’s remarks came during a working session titled “Accelerating the Next Generation of Large-Scale Solar Energy Projects,” where he detailed Algeria’s comprehensive national strategy for renewable energy development .Ambitious Renewable Energy TargetsDuring the forum, Yassa highlighted Algeria’s ambitious targets, including the goal of achieving 15,000 megawatts (MW) of photovoltaic solar capacity by 2035 . He noted that the initial phase of this extensive program, currently underway, involves 3,200 MW across 20 new solar power stations distributed throughout the country, with capacities ranging from 50 to 300 MW per plant .The national strategy is built upon fostering robust public-private partnerships to execute large-scale energy projects . It also emphasizes the development of a transparent and conducive regulatory framework designed to attract international investments and deepen local industrial integration through the establishment of a national renewable energy industry .Algeria: A Strategic Energy Bridge to EuropeThe Secretary of State reiterated Algeria’s strategic position as a key player in Africa’s energy transition, emphasizing the nation’s capacity to export green electricity, particularly to Europe, within the framework of enhanced regional cooperation . Yassa stressed that Algeria’s strategic geographical location positions it as a vital energy bridge between Africa and Europe .During a ministerial discussion session, Yassa addressed a range of inquiries concerning Algeria’s ongoing projects and energy strategies . Discussions covered financing mechanisms, international partnerships in renewable energies, future plans for green hydrogen as a clean energy source, and Algeria’s crucial role in bolstering energy security across the African continent . Yassa also presented the technical and regulatory challenges faced in implementing large-scale renewable energy projects and the innovative solutions Algeria employs to overcome them .Strengthening International CooperationOn the sidelines of the event, Yassa engaged in several bilateral meetings with African and international officials . He met with Zimbabwean Minister of Energy and Power Development, Soda Zhemu, to discuss potential exchanges of technical and technological expertise in renewable energies and hydrogen, as well as exploring avenues for cooperation in research and training within the clean energy sector .Additionally, Yassa held discussions with the African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, focusing on enhancing cooperation between Algeria and the African Union in renewable energies and developing regional cooperation platforms for sharing expertise and technical knowledge . He also met with John Humphrey, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa at the UK Department for Business and Trade, to explore prospects for developing a strategic partnership between Algeria and the United Kingdom in renewable energies and hydrogen . This meeting also addressed possibilities for cooperation in green financing and innovative investment mechanisms to support energy transition projects .
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