- In Algeria, the public company Sonelgaz is launching a call for tenders to produce 2,000 MWp of solar photovoltaic energy.
- Interested independent power producers (IPPs) have until 29 May 2023 to apply.
Throughout the coming years, it’s anticipated that solar energy will become a more significant portion of Algeria’s electrical mix, and Sonelgaz strives to achieve this. A request for proposals is being issued by Algeria’s electricity and gas distribution organisation for the development and construction of 15 photovoltaic solar power projects across the nation. The 2 000 MWp capacity is what the public firm is relying on.
Eleven wilayas will get the installation of solar power plants with a capacity of between 80 and 220 MWp. For instance, 200 MWp will be built in two communities in the Béchar region, along with 220 MWp in the wilaya of M’Sila, 280 MWp in El Oued, and 430 MWp in Biskra. Independent power producers (IPP) can apply to the Sonelgaz procurement until May 29, 2023.
Only a few months have passed since the first request for bids for the “Solar 1 000 MW” project was released. The chosen IPPs will be required to construct solar photovoltaic plants with a capacity of 30 to 300 MWp. Under 25-year power purchase agreements, these IPPs will integrate their production into Algeria’s national electrical grid (PPAs).
The opening of these bids for the construction of 3,000 MWp of installed solar capacity in a year underscores the Algerian government’s strategy of varying the sources of its power generation. Sonelgaz had a 22 000 Megawatt installed capacity by 2021. The capacity of renewable energy generation in 2021, including 438.2 MW without hydroelectricity, was 567.1 MW, according to the Commissariat aux énergies renouvelables et à l’efficacité énergétique (CEREFE).