- Government mandates the energy ministry for a hydrogen roadmap.
- Identifies potential preconditions for hydrogen production.
The government of Algeria has given its Ministry of Energy and Mining a mandate to map out a national strategy for developing hydrogen in the country. This development comes as a result of reckoning with the country’s potential to become a key player in the production of hydrogen in the Northern African region.
Data from preliminary research shows that the country possesses the vast potential to become a prominent player in the hydrogen market in the region. According to Mohamed Arkab, the minister for mining and energy, this potential stems from its abundant solar resources, the availability of gas and power networks, significant amount of water resources, and the capable research and development faculties.
Based on this, a ministerial committee has been set up and will work on the strategy. The committee is made up of representatives from the energy, energy transition, tertiary institutions, and scientific research sectors of the country. There are also representatives of start-ups and companies that work in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.
In a speech by the Arkab on the use of hydrogen, he reiterated that Algeria has an advantage due to its strategic location, the ports, and facilities necessary for the transportation of gas that would enhance it in meeting local and regional demand for hydrogen. He also added that it has become essential for Algeria to start preparing an appropriate legal and regulatory framework, identify priority sectors for the application of hydrogen, commence research for trial projects, search for financing and develop international partnerships.
The minister concluded that the development of hydrogen is now a strategic issue for the security of the country’s energy supply in the long term.