Electricity in Algeria in 2022

In the year 2022, Algeria's electricity generation was overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, representing close to all of the country's electricity production with 99.23%. Natural gas alone accounted for almost all of fossil fuel usage at 98.8%. The reliance on fossil fuels indicates a significant opportunity for Algeria to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions through the adoption of cleaner energy sources. Currently, low-carbon energy holds a negligible share in Algeria's electricity generation. This reliance on fossil fuels not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution but also leaves the country vulnerable to fluctuations in fossil fuel markets.

Suggestions

To transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon electricity generation, Algeria can look to the experiences of countries that have successfully integrated high shares of nuclear and wind energy into their grids. France and Slovakia, for instance, generate more than 60% of their electricity from nuclear power. For a country like Algeria, with ample sunlight and wind resources, investing in solar and wind technologies alongside nuclear power can markedly enhance its low-carbon electricity generation. The successful deployment of these technologies in countries with similar sun and wind conditions, like Greece which achieves around 22% from solar, or Morocco, which gets 15% from wind, exemplifies practical pathways that Algeria can adopt to mitigate its reliance on fossil fuels while promoting economic stability and environmental benefits.

History

Historically, Algeria's strides towards low-carbon electricity have been minimal and inconsistent. From the 1980s to the mid-2000s, hydroelectric generation saw small fluctuations, with minor increases or decreases, contributing negligible amounts to the electricity grid. Significant additions to low-carbon energy from solar began in 2017 with a 0.5 TWh increase, while hydro experienced another minor decline. This indicates a belated but necessary move to diversify the energy portfolio. Moving forward, consistent investment in low-carbon energy and strategic planning to harness potential resources like solar, wind, and nuclear could markedly transform Algeria's electricity landscape. Such initiatives will not only meet increasing electricity demands but also demonstrate a commitment to climate goals and sustainable economic growth.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources