Electricity in Algeria in 2023
In 2023, Algeria's electricity consumption is overwhelmingly fueled by fossil energies with more than 99% of the electricity being generated from fossil sources. A staggering 98.65% is attributed directly to gas, making it the predominant source for electricity generation in the country. This leaves an extremely small fraction devoted to clean, low-carbon energy sources, indicating Algeria's heavy dependence on fossil fuels. The massive reliance on such fuels has significant consequences for both air quality and climate change, adversely impacting both public health and the environment. Transitioning to a more sustainable energy mix is crucial for reducing these detrimental effects and moving towards a greener and more sustainable future.
Suggestions
Algeria can benefit from looking into other nation's successes in shifting towards low-carbon electricity generation. Countries like France, Slovakia, and Ukraine have made substantial contributions to their energy portfolio through nuclear energy, with figures reaching as high as 68%, 62%, and 55%, respectively. These nations have demonstrated that it is both feasible and beneficial to integrate nuclear energy as a substantial part of the electricity generation mix. Furthermore, exploring wind and solar solutions, as seen in Denmark where wind contributes to 52% of the electricity, or in Lebanon with solar energy making up 31%, can present viable paths for reducing fossil fuel reliance. Given their geographical and climatic similarities, Algeria could especially draw lessons from nearby regions like Morocco, where wind power is expanding its share of electricity generation. By investing in nuclear, wind, and solar technologies, Algeria can diversify its energy sources and significantly increase its low-carbon electricity generation.
History
Looking back at Algeria’s history of low-carbon electricity generation, hydroelectric power has been the primary clean energy source with varying outputs over the years. In the 1980s, the use of hydroelectricity exhibited fluctuations with modest gains and declines, such as an increase in 1981 followed by dips and rises in the subsequent years. The trend continued through the 90s and early 2000s, experiencing slight gains while also encountering setbacks. The introduction of solar energy became noteworthy in 2017, marking a progressive step towards diversifying the country’s low-carbon electricity sources with a boost of 0.5 TWh, despite a concurrent small drop in hydroelectric power. Overall, while these steps are commendable, the pace of change has been gradual. Embracing larger-scale implementations of clean energy technologies can drive a more robust transition towards sustainable energy solutions in Algeria's future electricity landscape.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.