Nouvelles mesures pour faciliter le raccordement des exploitations agricoles à l’électricité
Summary of Recent Measures for Agricultural Electricity Connection in Algeria
On Thursday, in Algiers, the Energy, Mines, and Renewable Energy Minister, Mohamed Arkab, announced new measures aimed at facilitating the electrical connection for agricultural operations, during a plenary session of the National People’s Assembly (APN).
Key Announcements
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Free Connection Studies:
The government has decided to provide free studies related to the electrical connection of agricultural perimeters. This initiative aims to streamline the connection process, allowing work to commence promptly following the approval of the Agricultural Services Directorate, based on financial estimates prepared by Sonelgaz, the national electricity provider. -
Immediate Connection Facilitation:
Sonelgaz has been directed to ensure the provision of electricity to agricultural sites where connection work has been completed, prioritizing these tasks. Charges for these connections will be settled later by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, allowing farmers to operate their businesses without financial pressure. - Flexible Payment Methods:
Additional support involves easing billing demands on farmers. Sonelgaz-distribution will incorporate the specific characteristics of agricultural activities into its collection measures, emphasizing the need for consensual solutions before considering the suspension of supply due to non-payment.
These exceptional measures are part of the government’s strategy to encourage agricultural investment, especially in desert regions, which are deemed priorities due to the agricultural sector’s significance in socio-economic development and food security.
Quality Assurance of Diesel Fuel
In response to concerns regarding the quality of diesel fuel for vehicles, Minister Arkab asserted that the diesel provided by Naftal, produced locally at Sonatrach’s refineries, meets the specifications mandated by the Hydrocarbons Regulatory Authority. He assured that this diesel possesses physical and chemical properties suited to Algeria’s climate, with a sulfur content not exceeding 400 parts per million.
Addressing worries about the potential negative impact of diesel quality on modern vehicles, Arkab indicated that investigations found no supporting evidence for these claims. Consequently, any vehicle issues could not be conclusively linked to the diesel quality without detailed quantitative data confirming the allegations.
Transition to Cleaner Fuels
The national fuel policy aims to phase out diesel vehicles in favor of unleaded gasoline, electric, or hybrid vehicles, aligning with global environmental standards.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors Installation Progress
Regarding the installation of carbon monoxide detectors, by the end of April, 13.7 million units were installed, benefiting 6.9 million households. This installation process will continue as per the established schedule, expected to conclude by December, alongside increased public awareness campaigns promoting the safe use of natural gas.
Future Bitumen Production Capacity
On the subject of road construction materials, specifically bitumen, Minister Arkab disclosed plans by Sonatrach to enhance bitumen production capacity. This includes the establishment of new units at the Hassi Messaoud refinery, targeting an output of 140,000 metric tons per year, and a project involving the hydraulic fracturing conversion of fuel in Skikda, expected to produce 250,000 metric tons per year. These projects are slated for completion in 2029 and 2030, supplementing existing capacity from the Arzew and Skikda refineries.
Conclusion
These announcements reflect the Algerian government’s commitment to enhancing the agricultural sector’s productivity through infrastructural support and efficient resource management while ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into future fuel policies. By facilitating electrical connections and easing financial burdens on farmers, the government is making significant strides towards agricultural development, which is essential for the nation’s economic progression and food security strategy.
