BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- Algeria, in its pursuit of enhancing the Energy and Mining sector and diversifying its energy resources, is reaching out to strengthen its ties with economic partners, leveraging the expertise of developed nations. The primary objective is to stimulate growth in these crucial sectors and support local companies with innovative technologies. In line with this policy of collaboration, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, held a meeting at the ministry’s headquarters with the King’s Trade Commissioner of the United Kingdom for Africa, John Humphrey.
In the presence of the British Ambassador to Algeria and high-ranking officials from the ministry, discussions centered on bolstering cooperation and partnerships between the two nations in the Energy and Mining sector, with a specific focus on renewable energy technologies.
One of the central topics of discussion was the production and integration of solar and wind energy into Algeria’s energy grid, as well as its distribution to landlocked regions and agricultural facilities. Additionally, deliberations addressed the training of local personnel and the domestic manufacturing of energy equipment.
During this meeting, Minister Arkab provided a comprehensive overview of Algeria’s renewable energy development program, notably highlighting the ambitious goal of reaching 15,000 megawatts in photovoltaic energy production by 2035. The program’s initial stages have already commenced with the issuance of tenders for the production of 2,000 megawatts of photovoltaic solar electricity, which has garnered significant interest from foreign companies, with 160 foreign establishments from 20 countries participating.
Strengthening Collaboration and Exploration in the Mining Sector
The meeting with the British Trade Commissioner for Africa also offered an opportunity to delve into the energy sector, which requires substantial investments. In this context, Minister Arkab emphasized Algeria’s commitment to optimizing the development of its resources and exploring ways to harness its mining potential efficiently. He called for closer collaboration and consultations with British companies, aiming to invest in Algeria’s burgeoning mining sector while fostering mutually beneficial partnerships with Algerian firms.
The Minister underscored that these partnerships should be rooted in knowledge transfer and training, particularly in the realm of geological studies. Algeria boasts significant unexplored mining deposits and the ambitious Gara Djebilet megaproject, which stands as one of the world’s largest iron mines, with estimated reserves totaling 3.5 billion tonnes.
Concluding the meeting, Mr. Humphrey praised the fruitful discussions and expressed the United Kingdom’s readiness to establish and strengthen economic and commercial ties with Algeria while sharing valuable experiences.
It’s worth noting that Algeria and the United Kingdom have previously demonstrated their cooperation in the energy sector. During the preparations for Cop26, an Algerian-British business meeting on renewable energies was organized by the Algerian embassy in London in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy. The meeting convened leaders of British and Algerian companies in the sector, along with ministry representatives, reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to a successful energy transition. It was emphasized that Algeria’s energy transition ambitions align seamlessly with the unique expertise and business acumen offered by the United Kingdom.
As Algeria continues its journey toward a sustainable and diversified energy future, the call for British companies to invest in the mining sector signals a promising avenue for mutually beneficial collaboration and the growth of Algeria’s Energy and Mining industry.
