ALGIERS- Algeria, Tunisia and Libya will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to launch preliminary studies for the execution of an electrical interconnection project between the three countries, an official of Sonelgaz group said Sunday in Algiers.
“We are working on the electric corridor project that will connect Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Discussions are underway and a memorandum of understanding will soon be signed between the three countries to launch the necessary studies to execute this project,” said Habib Mohamed Lakhdar, Director of Studies at Sonelgaz, on the Algerian Radio.
This project will allow Sonelgaz to open new opportunities for exporting electricity to these two neighboring countries, he added.
As regards cooperation with African nations, the official highlighted the capacity of Sonelgaz to assist the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in developing their electricity sectors.
He noted that international expansion, especially throughout Africa starting with neighboring countries, is a key component of the strategic development plan of Sonelgaz.
In this regard, he underlined that other cooperation opportunities are being explored, including Sonelgaz exporting its engineering expertise, providing assistance with electricity transmission network development, and supplying locally manufactured industrial equipment.
Concerning the power plant currently under construction in Niger, a donation from Algeria, he pointed out that following directives from top government officials, the plant will be operational before next summer to address Niger's pressing electricity demands.
He emphasized that Sonelgaz teams will handle both the installation and commissioning of this infrastructure.
Regarding the electrical interconnection project between Algeria and Italy, he underscored that it is a “strategic” project for the country, noting that Sonelgaz, Sonatrach, and Italian energy company ENI signed a memorandum of understanding in July 2024 to conduct feasibility studies for the project.
The project involves the setting up of a submarine cable linking northeastern Algeria with southern Italy, which will enable Algeria to enter the European electricity market through Italy, he added.
