Algeria and Chad forge energy partnership for 40mw N’Djamena power plant

A significant agreement was formally concluded this Thursday in Algiers, establishing a partnership between Algeria and Chad for the construction of a 40-megawatt power plant set to energize N’Djamena.

The official signing saw Mr. Mourad Adjal, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and Mr. Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy, formalize the commitment to this 40-megawatt electricity generation facility in N’Djamena. This initiative underscores a mutual desire to deepen bilateral cooperation, aligning with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision for supporting African nations and advancing South-South partnerships.

Technical Study Finalized for N’Djamena Power Plant

The signing followed extensive discussions between Minister Adjal and his Chadian counterpart, who was on a working visit to Algeria. During these meetings, both delegations thoroughly explored avenues for bilateral cooperation across the energy and renewable energy sectors. They focused on concrete strategies to bolster this partnership, encompassing electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, the supply of essential electrical and gas equipment, and comprehensive training programs.

Minister Adjal confirmed that the technical assessment for the power plant’s construction has been successfully completed. This milestone was achieved after Sonelgaz group technical teams conducted a visit to Chad last week. He emphasized that both nations are now poised to commence equipment export, anticipating the imminent groundbreaking ceremony for the project. Furthermore, he announced that Chadian technical personnel are expected to arrive in Algeria for a month-long training program at Sonelgaz’s specialized schools. These trained teams will ultimately be responsible for operating the new power plant once it becomes operational. The minister also specified that this robust bilateral cooperation would extend to the crucial rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s existing electrical grid.

Algeria: A “True Reference” in Energy

Minister Marcelin, for his part, characterized the agreement for this power plant as a “historic milestone” within the framework of South-South cooperation, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Algeria-Chad relations. He further elaborated that the foundation for robust collaboration between these two brotherly nations was firmly established during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria last April.

He conveyed profound gratitude to the Algerian President for his unwavering support for Chad and his guidance in the energy sector. Marcelin highlighted Algeria’s emergence as a “true reference” for numerous African countries, especially concerning electricity provision, given its impressive production capabilities. He stated that Chad is keen to leverage Algerian expertise, noting that twelve Chadian trainees are currently undergoing specialized training in Algeria focused on power plant operations, with future cohorts slated to receive similar beneficial programs.

A Power Plant “One Hundred Percent Algerian”

Mr. Yazid Djellouli, the President-Director General of Sonelgaz International, affirmed that the upcoming power plant in Chad would be “one hundred percent Algerian” in its construction, equipment, and workforce. He assured that Chadian authorities would soon commence site preparation work for the infrastructure, coinciding with the transfer of equipment and the official launch of construction activities.

Djellouli further explained that Sonelgaz International’s strategic objective is to expand its footprint across Africa. Since its establishment last March, the company has already received numerous inquiries from various African nations regarding energy and related infrastructure projects. Meanwhile, Mr. Saleh Ben Haliki, the Director General of TchadElec, lauded the power plant project as a tangible outcome of the “new relations” blossoming between Algeria and Chad in the energy sector. He emphasized Chad’s strong desire to benefit from Algeria’s proven expertise, echoing the sentiment that Algeria has indeed become a “true reference” in comprehensive electrical coverage.