Electricity in Algeria in 2022

In 2022, Algeria's electricity generation was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, with almost all of it, about 99%, coming from such sources. Natural gas played a particularly dominant role, contributing nearly 99% to the electricity supply. This shows a stark dependence on fossil fuels, leaving low-carbon or clean energy sources contributing close to none in the electricity mix. Such dependence not only poses challenges for sustainable development but also increases vulnerability to fluctuations in fossil fuel markets and pressures related to climate change and air pollution.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Algeria can look to nations that have successfully integrated substantial proportions of clean energy into their systems. Nuclear energy stands out in countries with similar economic or geographic characteristics, such as the United Arab Emirates, which generates 20% of its electricity from nuclear power. Looking at successful wind integration, Morocco demonstrates regional potential with 15% of its electricity from wind energy. Moreover, Algeria could explore its solar potential, as evidenced by Jordan's effective incorporation of solar power, contributing 15% to its electricity generation. By drawing lessons from these examples, Algeria can devise strategies to expand its low-carbon portfolio through nuclear, wind, and solar investments, setting the groundwork for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.

History

Algeria's history of low-carbon electricity generation highlights a reliance on hydroelectric power, though its contribution has been modest and inconsistent. In the 1980s, hydroelectric production fluctuated, with slight yearly increases and decreases, revealing instability in its output. Across the 1990s and early 2000s, this pattern persisted, with minimal shifts in hydroelectric output. A notable development occurred in 2017 when Algeria marked a significant move towards solar power, increasing solar electricity generation by 0.5 TWh. However, these efforts remain relatively small-scale against the backdrop of the dominant fossil fuel landscape. Expanding on these early efforts by embracing more consistent and larger-scale solar and nuclear projects could position Algeria on a path to significantly increasing its low-carbon electricity footprint.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources