Electricity in Algeria in 2023
In Algeria, electricity consumption in 2023 is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with almost all electricity, over 99%, generated from these sources. Natural gas is the predominant fossil fuel, accounting for nearly 99% of the total electricity generation. Meanwhile, low-carbon electricity sources contribute a minimal amount, with virtually all of it coming from hydroelectric and solar energy. There is a significant opportunity for Algeria to transition towards more sustainable energy systems by increasing its low-carbon electricity generation, especially given the global urgency to reduce reliance on fossil fuels to combat air pollution and climate change.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Algeria?
Examining Algeria's electricity growth, the consumption in 2023 has reached 2086 kWh per person, which is a noticeable increase from the previous record of 2011 kWh per person in 2022. This growth suggests increasing demand for electricity within the country, potentially driven by population growth, economic development, or technological advancements. However, there is a concerning trend in the low-carbon electricity sector; in 2023, the generation is only 20 kWh per person, an 8 kWh decline compared to the 1985 record of 27 kWh per person. Such data indicates that while overall electricity consumption is rising, the clean electricity generation is not keeping pace, which could undermine efforts to enhance sustainability and tackle environmental issues.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Algeria can draw lessons from regions successfully employing solar and nuclear energy. Countries like Lebanon and Cyprus have harnessed the power of solar energy, achieving around 30% clean electricity. This could serve as a model for Algeria, given its abundant sunlight. Additionally, Algeria could consider embracing nuclear power, inspired by countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy forms a significant portion of their electricity generation. Investing in nuclear technology, alongside solar, could lead to a more diversified and reliable low-carbon electricity mix in Algeria, thereby supporting a greener future.
History
Historically, Algeria's low-carbon electricity landscape has experienced fluctuations, primarily in hydroelectric power. Throughout the 1980s, there were modest gains and setbacks, with marginal increases and declines in hydroelectric generation. The early 2000s saw further moderate changes. A shift occurred in 2017, when solar electricity began to make headway, generating an increase, albeit amidst a decrease in hydro power. The absence of stable growth in low-carbon electricity through the decades underlines the need for a more robust strategy in both solar and nuclear power investments to ensure sustainable development and meet increasing electricity demands effectively.
