Algeria and Chad cement energy ties with 40mw power plant project in N’Djamena

A significant agreement was formalized this Thursday in Algiers, marking a new chapter in cooperation between Algeria and Chad for the construction of a 40-megawatt electrical 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, officially signed the accord. This landmark project, focused on developing a 40MW electricity generation facility within the Chadian capital, underscores a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. The initiative directly aligns with the directives of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who champions robust support for African nations and the advancement of South-South cooperation.

technical studies for the power plant finalized

The signing ceremony followed productive discussions between Minister Adjal and his Chadian counterpart, who was on a working visit to Algeria. Their talks centered on expanding bilateral cooperation across the energy and renewable energy sectors. Both parties explored avenues for enhancing this partnership through concrete projects encompassing electricity production, transmission, and distribution, as well as the provision of essential electrical and gas equipment, alongside comprehensive training programs.

Minister Adjal confirmed that the technical study for the proposed power plant has been successfully completed. This achievement came after Sonelgaz Group technical teams conducted a recent mission to Chad. He emphasized that both nations are now prepared to move forward with exporting necessary equipment, anticipating the imminent groundbreaking for the project. Furthermore, Adjal announced the arrival of Chadian technical teams in Algeria, set to undergo a month-long specialized training at Sonelgaz facilities. These teams will be crucial for the operational management of the power plant once it becomes active. He also noted that this extensive bilateral collaboration would extend to the vital task of rehabilitating N’Djamena’s existing electrical grid.

Algeria recognized as a significant energy reference

Minister Marcelin, for his part, hailed the agreement for the power plant as a “historic milestone” within the framework of South-South cooperation, describing it as a pivotal step in the evolution of Algero-Chadian relations. He recalled that the foundations for this robust partnership between the two fraternal nations were laid during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria last April.

Expressing profound gratitude to the Algerian President for his steadfast support and guidance in the energy domain, Marcelin affirmed Algeria’s emergence as “a true reference” for numerous African countries, particularly in electricity provision, given its impressive production capacities. He articulated Chad’s ambition to leverage Algerian expertise, highlighting that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing instruction in Algeria on power plant operations, with future cohorts expected to benefit from similar specialized training.

a 100% algerian power plant initiative

Yazid Djellouli, President and CEO of Sonelgaz International, informed national media that the N’Djamena power plant would be “one hundred percent Algerian” in its execution, equipment, and workforce. He assured that Chadian authorities would soon commence preparatory work on the designated site for the infrastructure, coinciding with the transfer of equipment and the official launch of construction activities.

Djellouli elaborated on Sonelgaz International’s strategic objective to expand its presence across Africa. Since its establishment last March, the company has received numerous inquiries from various African nations regarding energy and related infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of Tchadienne d’électricité (TchadElec), commended the power plant initiative as one of the inaugural achievements stemming from the “new relations” between Algeria and Chad in the energy sector. He underscored Chad’s eagerness to benefit from Algeria’s proven expertise, recognizing Algeria as a preeminent “reference” in electrical coverage.