Regional Solar Growth Tops 700 Megawatts in 2026

Algeria has significantly advanced its solar energy capacity, adding 700 megawatts in 2026. This rapid expansion positions it among the leading nations in the region for solar development in a short timeframe. The year 2026 saw the commissioning of three major power plants: Tendla, El Ghrous, and El Fouliya, marking a definitive entry into large-scale solar power generation.

A cornerstone of this expansion is the El Fouliya plant, inaugurated on October 26, 2026, by Energy and Renewable Energies Minister Mourad Adjal in Guemar, El Oued wilaya. This facility boasts 300 megawatts across 600 hectares with 650,000 panels, making it the largest in Algeria and, according to the Minister, the second largest in Africa. It is already contributing to stabilizing the national grid during peak consumption. Two other 200-megawatt plants commenced operations earlier in 2026 in El Meghaier and Biskra, with additional projects in El Oued slated for early 2027.

This progress is aligned with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's vision for an energy mix and is supported by a national renewable energy program. This program is allocated 22 billion euros and targets the production of 15,000 megawatts by 2035. Sonelgaz initiated significant projects by signing contracts for 3,000 megawatts across 20 plants in March 2024, with construction commencing swiftly. The Minister reported 760 MWc already in service as part of the 3,200 MW program. These initiatives are also projected to generate substantial employment, with Sonelgaz anticipating 10,000 direct jobs from the 2,000-megawatt project, and government forecasts suggesting 50,000 construction jobs and 2,000 operational roles for a future 4,000-megawatt program, benefiting Southern regions.