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BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The 5th Algerian-German Energy Day, held in Algiers, showcased Algeria’s burgeoning potential in renewable energies and the increasing interest of European Union countries, particularly Germany, in establishing a reliable partnership for renewable energy supplies.
Mohamed Arkab, Algeria’s Minister of Energy, reiterated the nation’s commitment to renewable energy development and expressed a strong desire for an “exceptional, real, and solid” partnership with Germany. His sentiments were echoed by Stefan Wenzel, the Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for the Economy and Climate Protection, who pledged the German government’ support for joint investment projects to meet growing energy demands.
As a tangible outcome of this commitment, the two nations signed an execution contract for the “technology and socio-economic development for renewable energies and green hydrogen” cooperation project known as TaqatHy (RE-GH2), valued at 12 million euros. This initiative aims to deepen cooperation in the fields of renewable energies and green hydrogen, highlighting the commitment of both countries to sustainable energy solutions.
Beyond the TaqatHy project, the Ministry of Energy and Mines document emphasized the joint efforts of Algeria and Germany to strengthen energy cooperation. This includes collaboration with the German development bank KFW to establish a 50 MW pilot project for hydrogen production. Minister Arkab also revealed plans for scientific experimental projects to control the value chain of green hydrogen production, involving a 50 MW project with a 35 million-dollar donation from the German government.
In the quest to master hydrogen-related technology, Algeria’s national hydrocarbons company and Germany’s VNG signed a memorandum of understanding in this area last year, further underscoring the commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
The development of new and renewable energies has rekindled discussions about two ambitious projects aimed at transporting hydrogen and electricity from Algeria to the European continent. The SoutH2 corridor, a 3,200 km route transporting green hydrogen from Algeria to Germany via Italy and Austria, is currently undergoing a feasibility study. Minister Arkab emphasized the necessity of in-depth technical and economic studies with the involved companies to make this ambitious project a reality.
Additionally, Algeria is eyeing the European electricity market and is currently studying the creation of an interconnection with the continent. Minister Arkab invited the German side to participate in and support the project for the Algerian-European electric cable. This endeavor aims to enable the export of clean and renewable energy and enhance electrical connectivity regionally and internationally.
The 5th Algerian-German Energy Day underscored the determination of both nations to collaborate on renewable energy projects, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable energy future in Algeria and contributing to Europe’s energy needs. The signing of the TaqatHy project and the ongoing discussions about the SoutH2 corridor and the Algerian-European electric cable demonstrate a shared commitment to making these ambitious initiatives a reality.
