A pivotal agreement was recently formalized in Algiers, marking a new chapter in cooperation between Algeria and Chad for the construction of a 40-megawatt (MW) power plant in N’Djamena.
Mourad Adjal, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, co-signed this significant accord. The initiative aims to bolster bilateral ties and aligns with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision for supporting African nations and advancing South-South cooperation. This strategic partnership specifically focuses on establishing a 40-MW electricity generation facility within the Chadian capital.
technical study concludes for the N’Djamena power plant
The signing ceremony followed extensive discussions between Minister Adjal and his Chadian counterpart, who was on a working visit to Algeria. Their talks explored diverse avenues for bilateral cooperation across the energy and renewable energy sectors. Both parties emphasized strengthening these ties through tangible projects encompassing electricity production, transmission, and distribution, alongside the provision of electrical and gas equipment, and specialized training programs.
Minister Adjal confirmed that the technical study for the new power plant has been successfully completed. This achievement comes after technical teams from Algeria’s Sonelgaz group traveled to Chad last week to finalize assessments. He further highlighted that both nations are now prepared to proceed with the export of necessary equipment, anticipating the imminent groundbreaking for the project. Additionally, Minister Adjal announced the arrival of Chadian technical teams in Algeria, where they will undergo a month-long training program at Sonelgaz schools. These teams will eventually be responsible for operating the power plant once it becomes operational. The scope of bilateral cooperation will also extend to the rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s existing electrical grid.
Algeria: a benchmark in african energy expertise
Minister Marcelin characterized the agreement for the 40-MW power plant as a “historic milestone” for South-South cooperation and a crucial step forward in Algerian-Chadian relations. He recalled that the leaders of both nations laid the groundwork for this robust partnership during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria last April.
Expressing profound gratitude to the Algerian President for his unwavering support and guidance in the energy sector, Minister Marcelin lauded Algeria as a “true reference” for numerous African countries, particularly in electricity generation, given its significant production capabilities. Chad, he affirmed, is eager to leverage Algeria’s extensive expertise. He also noted that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing specialized training in Algeria for power plant operations, with further cohorts expected to benefit from similar educational initiatives.
a 100% algerian power plant for Chad
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, informed the press that the new power plant in Chad would be “one hundred percent Algerian” in terms of its construction, equipment, and workforce. He assured that Chadian authorities would soon commence site preparation work to accommodate the infrastructure, concurrently with the transfer of equipment and the official launch of construction activities.
Djellouli articulated Sonelgaz International’s objective to expand its presence across Africa. Since its establishment in March, the company has received numerous requests from various African nations for projects in energy and related infrastructure. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of TchadElec, also praised the power plant project, hailing it as one of the initial successes of the “new relations” between Algeria and Chad in the energy domain. He underscored Chad’s strong desire to benefit from Algerian expertise, emphasizing that Algeria has, in his view, become a “true reference” for reliable electrical coverage.
