Chad’s capital N’Djamena to get 40mw power plant, boosting West Africa’s energy future

Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mr. Mourad Adjal, recently announced a pivotal step forward for Chad’s energy sector: the imminent groundbreaking ceremony for a new 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena. This significant infrastructure project will be executed by Sonelgaz International, an Algerian state-owned company, as part of its broader strategy to expand operations across the African continent.

The announcement came during Minister Adjal’s remarks on the sidelines of the inauguration of a separate 40-megawatt Algerian-Nigerien solidarity power plant in Gorou Banda, near Niamey, Niger. This event was presided over by Algerian Prime Minister Mr. Sifi Ghrieb, acting on directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, alongside his Nigerien counterpart, Mr. Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman.

During the Niamey ceremony, Mr. Adjal expressed satisfaction with the successful completion of the Gorou Banda plant, emphasizing that this achievement underscores Sonelgaz International’s proven capability to deliver major energy projects beyond national borders within stipulated timelines. This expertise is now being leveraged to boost Chad’s energy supply.

Furthermore, the Minister revealed that Sonelgaz International has initiated preparations for several new projects across various African nations. The 40-megawatt N’Djamena power plant project in Chad is among the first of these new ventures, with its foundation stone laying scheduled for the coming days, marking a crucial development for the West Africa Sahel region’s energy landscape.

Mr. Adjal also highlighted the increasing interest and demand from numerous African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, for Sonelgaz International’s specialized technical expertise. These upcoming projects are integral to ambitious energy programs that the company is committed to realizing, relying on its technical proficiency and efficiency in project delivery.

Sonelgaz International is poised to serve as a driving force for both public and private Algerian enterprises. By integrating them into various phases of project execution through a value chain approach, the company aims to bolster the presence of national talent and businesses in diverse African markets, fostering robust South-South cooperation.

This N’Djamena power plant initiative builds upon an agreement signed between Algeria and Chad last May. This accord symbolizes a concerted effort to strengthen bilateral cooperation, directly aligning with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to support African nations and advance South-South partnerships in critical sectors like energy.