Algeria News Portal :Algeria continues to strengthen its position as one of the major energy powers in the African continent having ranked third in Africa and 38th globally among the largest electricity producers with output exceeding 95,627 gigawatt-hours, according to data from the International Energy Agency at a time when the electricity generation sector relies almost entirely on natural gas, which accounts for more than 99% of the national production mix.
A report published by “Business Insider Africa” revealed that electricity production is one of the key drivers of economic growth and industrial development on the African continent, however, the bulk of this production remains concentrated in a limited number of countries which have strong infrastructure and huge energy resources especially in North Africa which dominate the sector. South Africa topped the list of the continent’s largest electricity producers with a production of 229,303 gigawatt-hours and relied heavily on coal, which accounts for more than 70% of total electricity generated, despite the ongoing crisis of scheduled blackouts in the country due to increasing pressure on demand.
Based on Algeria, the report highlighted that the country’s heavy reliance on natural gas has enabled it to comfortably meet domestic electricity demand while continuing to support industrial activity and urban expansion. However, the report noted challenges regarding the need for developing power transmission networks of extremely high voltage, which would enable the country to keep up with the rapid pace of industrial growth as well as increasing the effectiveness of energy transmission across different regions. The report also noted that Libya, despite its current political circumstances, has been able to commission approximately 35,746 gigawatt-hours, making it sixth in Africa, and Tunisia has been successful to make it to the list of the continent’s top ten electricity manufacturers, reinforcing North Africa as one of the continents’ leading energy hubs. Business Insider Africa” confirmed North African countries continue dominating electricity production rankings in Africa, with five countries in the region among the ten leading producers, with Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia being notable examples, showing the scale of investments targeted at developing energy infrastructure, in addition to the growing investments into natural gas reliance and renewable energy projects.
