Page 7 - AfrElec Week 01 2023

AfrElec POLICY AfrElec

Algeria’s stalled power and

gas projects to be completed in

2023, says energy minister

ALGERIA ALGERIAN Ministry of Energy and Mines will start operations in H1 2023.
Mohamed Arkab has pledged to accelerate the The minister showed that the electricity con-
implementation of electricity and gas projects in nection rate in the state reached 98.9%, while the
a number of states during 2023 while working to gas connection rate reached 65.81%, noting that
remove obstacles that hindered their implemen- nearly 57 municipalities are currently connected
tation, he said addressing the National People’s to the gas network. He added that the electric
Assembly on Thursday, January 5. power and gas supply projects in the state are
Arkab highlighted the government’s efforts progressing at a good pace, as the rate of hous-
to secure growing domestic demand for energy, ing electricity connection has recently climbed
pointing that the country will start manufactur- to 97%, and will reach 99% in 2023-2024 upon
ing gas pipelines locally. The local production of completion of the current projects.
the pipes will take place in the El-Hajjar factory. Arkab also confirmed that the project to
The import substitution of pipes will help to complete the delayed power station in Ain Ous-
supply all the sector’s stalled projects across the sara (Djelfa) will partially start operations in the
country, Arkab pointed out. coming period and will be fully operational in
The minister added that the project to supply 2024. The facility will have a production capacity
the municipalities of northern Milah with nat- of 1.26 GW.
ural gas is 88% completed, pointing out that its The minister explained that the delay
delay was due to a shortage of gas pipes and the recorded in the past years is due to the financial
difficult terrain. problems and the implications of the Covid-
Arkab confirmed that power transmission 19 pandemic, stressing that the projects being
stations in Milah will be supported through two implemented in petrochemicals in a number of
electrical substations of Wad Sejen and Milaf cities will give a great impetus to the economy
with a capacity of 80 MV each. The two stations and employment alike. ™

Week 01 04•January•2023 www. NEWSBASE .com P7