Algeria brings 400MW of solar capacity online

Algeria has commissioned two solar power plants with a combined capacity of 400MW, Energy Minister Mourad Adjal announced on April 12, marking a step forward in the country’s renewable energy expansion.

According to APS, the projects include the 200-MW Tindela solar facility in El M’Ghair province and the 200-MW El Ghrous plant in Biskra province. The new capacity is expected to support Algeria’s efforts to diversify its energy mix and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.

Speaking during a national meeting of energy and renewable energy sector officials, Adjal said the government is targeting the commissioning of more than 1,400 MW of solar capacity throughout 2026 from nine photovoltaic plants. The ambitious plan represents an acceleration in project execution as authorities seek to scale up clean energy deployment.

The newly operational plants form part of the first phase of a broader 3,200-MW solar programme. This initiative falls within Algeria’s long-term strategy to install 15,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2035.

According to the minister, progress on the programme remains steady, with the completion rate for the 22 planned solar parks reaching around 40%. The expansion is expected to play a key role in meeting rising domestic electricity demand while advancing sustainability goals.

Solar power projects are gaining momentum in Algeria. The 1,000 MW M'Sila solar plant in Algeria, a $1.2b joint venture between China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corp (CPECC) and the Algerian Energy Company, is currently the country’s flagship project and is on track to begin operations by mid-2026.