Algeria offers power expertise to Benin

According to Agence Ecofin on the 22nd of July, Algerian Minister of Energy Mourad Adjal met with his Beninese counterpart Edouard Daheome to discuss new ways and methods of reinforcing the bilateral cooperation of the two countries regarding the energy market. 

Adjal underlined the possibility of helping Benin develop its energy field through investments in projects such as power plants and better electrical systems. Technology transfers could be considered, as well as the development of concrete projects, in the image of the Algerian power plant built in Chad. With a production capacity of 40 Megawatts, this electric power plant will be built by Sonelgaz International, as a donation from the Algerian government to the Republic of Chad. A new power plant of similar capacity was also inaugurated in Gorou Banda, Niger last June.

These projects take place within a broader initiative of Algerian President Abdelmajid Tebboune to reaffirm solidarity and durable investments in African countries, as well as business opportunities for Sonelgaz and Algeria. Furthermore, Algeria has openly discussed its ambitions in establishing itself as a leading investor in West Africa, leading to increased overall investments and cooperation. 

As the meeting came to an end, both energy ministers reiterated their willingness to pursue enhanced cooperation and identify new partnerships that could benefit both countries. 

Sonelgaz possesses a capacity of high-energy production, as well as a network that takes up to 440 000km of electrical lines. The group possesses most of its own value chain, which allows it to offer very low prices for different installations. 

Only 12% of the rural West African population has access to electricity. The West African Power Pool (WAPP), the regional body responsible for interconnecting the electricity grids of ECOWAS member states, aims to add 16,000 MW of generating capacity by 2033 through investments estimated at $36 billion.

Agence Ecofin, Maghrebi.org