Electricity in Algeria in 2022

As of 2022, Algeria's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly dominated by fossil fuels, which account for more than 99% of the total electricity generated. Specifically, natural gas alone makes up close to 99% of the total electricity production. This heavy reliance on fossil fuels poses significant challenges in terms of reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change. Low-carbon energy sources like hydro, wind, and solar, along with nuclear, are virtually non-existent in Algeria's current electricity mix.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Algeria can look at examples from successfully transitioned countries. For instance, France generates more than two-thirds of its electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating how nuclear investments can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Similarly, Denmark generates close to two-thirds of its electricity from wind energy. Uruguay, another example, produces almost a third of its electricity from wind, showing how countries with varying geographical landscapes and resources can excel in specific low-carbon technologies. Algeria can draw inspiration from these examples to tailor its energy strategy, leveraging its natural wind and solar potential, and consider nuclear energy to create a diversified, sustainable, and clean energy mix.

History

Examining the historical context, Algeria has had fluctuating but minimal engagement with low-carbon electricity generation. In the early 1980s, hydroelectric power showed slight growth but was unstable; it saw minor increases and decreases over the following decades with no significant long-term trend. Noteworthy events include a positive spike in solar energy in 2017 with an increase of 0.5 TWh, indicating some initial steps toward diversifying the energy mix. Despite these efforts, there has been no concentrated, consistent push towards sustained low-carbon growth, highlighting the need for a more strategic and ambitious approach to clean energy.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources