AfrElec: Algeria plans to extend electricity transmission pipeline to Europe

The Algerian government is set to expand its energy exports with the construction of a new electricity pipeline to Europe via Italy, in a bid to meet the increased European demand for energy, The New Arab reported on July 22.

The proposed submarine electricity transmission cable links Algeria's eastern coast to the Italian island of Sardinia. The project is set to start from Shafiya in the eastern province of El Tarf and cross the Mediterranean Sea to Sardinia, with an initial annual transmission capacity estimated at 2,000 MW.

State power and hydrocarbon utilities Sonelgaz and Sonatrach are currently preparing to sign contracts for a submarine cable linking Algeria to Europe, Algerian Energy Minister Mohammed Arkab said in a statement earlier this week. The cable will facilitate the export of electricity generated by gas-fired power plants and alternative energy sources, particularly solar.

Arkab did not provide additional details about the project's funding. The submarine cable linkage discussions began in 2022 as European countries sought alternatives to Russian energy supplies following the eruption of the Russia-Ukraine war.

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