30 à 35 % d’énergies renouvelables intégrées dans les six nouvelles stations
Integration of Renewable Energy in Algeria’s Desalination Projects
The Algerian Energy Company (AEC), a subsidiary of the Sonatrach group, is embarking on a significant initiative to integrate renewable energy sources into six new seawater desalination plants. The company aims to incorporate 30 to 35% of renewable energy into these stations, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability and energy transition.
Strategic Objectives
Sofiane Zamiche, AEC’s Development Director, announced this vision during a recent interview on Algerian radio. The integration of renewable energy sources is primarily aimed at reducing conventional electricity consumption and minimizing carbon emissions, aligning with Algeria’s broader national energy transition strategy.
To achieve these goals, the upcoming projects will mandate the installation of both photovoltaic and wind energy farms as part of their design. This requirement will not only help lower energy costs but will also contribute to a comprehensive, integrated approach under the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model.
Project Details
Currently, AEC is in the maturation phase of developing these six desalination plants, each designed to process 300,000 cubic meters of water daily. The selected locations for these installations include the Wilayas of Skikda, Jijel, Tizi Ouzou, Chlef, Mostaganem, and Tlemcen. The plants are expected to augment the proportion of desalinated seawater in Algeria’s overall drinking water supply, projecting an increase from 42% to 60% by 2030.
This strategic move reflects Algeria’s ambition to enhance its water security and sustainability in the face of growing water scarcity issues.
Conclusion
Through the incorporation of renewable energy into its desalination projects, Algeria is taking decisive steps towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting a sustainable energy transition. The AEC’s commitment to using 30 to 35% renewable energy will not only benefit the environment but also ensure that Algeria’s drinking water supply remains robust and sustainable for years to come.
