COP31 Hears Algeria's 14% GHG Reduction, 15,000 MW Renewable Goal

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune delivered Algeria's climate commitments at the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya, Turkey, emphasizing the nation's proactive approach to global climate challenges. In a message read on his behalf by the Prime Minister, Sifi Ghrieb, President Tebboune highlighted that Algeria, with a significant portion of its territory in arid and semi-arid zones, experiences climate change as an established reality impacting its water and food security. He asserted that development and climate action are not incompatible, provided the transition is flexible and gradual, and receives international support as outlined by the Paris Agreement.

Algeria has submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), setting an unconditional target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14% by 2035, fully financed by national resources. The nation also expressed readiness to increase this reduction to 31% with assured international support. Furthermore, Algeria has launched the first phase of a national program aiming to achieve 15,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2035, funded domestically, and has adopted a national hydrogen strategy.

Complementing these efforts, Algeria places particular attention on energy efficiency, the development of public transportation, and the reduction of gas flaring and methane emissions. To enhance its water security, the country is investing in seawater desalination and the reuse of treated water, while also revitalizing the "Green Dam" project, which integrates desertification control with rural development. These initiatives are part of a strengthening institutional and planning framework, with a national adaptation plan also nearing completion.