Algeria Gate: Algeria’s vast solar potential could open new opportunities for energy exports to Europe, but how close is the country to turning this potential into reality? A proposed electricity link with Italy aims to connect renewable energy facilities in the Algerian Sahara to the Italian grid through an underwater cable across the Mediterranean.
This project aims to connect renewable energy facilities in southern Algeria to Italy through an approximately 900-kilometre submarine cable across the Mediterranean.
According to recent reports, the AI-Link envisages renewable energy installations with a capacity of at least 5,000 megawatts and an electricity transmission capacity of up to 2,000 megawatts. Once operational, it could supply enough electricity to meet the estimated annual needs of around four million Italian households.

New chapter in the Algeria-Italy energy cooperation history
The project comes as Europe seeks to diversify its energy supplies and accelerate its transition towards renewable energy. For Algeria, it offers an opportunity to make greater use of the Sahara’s considerable solar potential and expand its energy exports beyond natural gas.
The initiative also aligns with the European Union’s Medlink project, which aims to develop renewable energy production in North Africa and strengthen electricity connections with Europe under the Global Gateway strategy.
While AI-Link and Medlink are separate initiatives, both reflect growing interest in connecting North Africa’s renewable energy resources with European markets.
What Comes Next?
The AI-Link project has entered a public consultation phase in Italy, allowing local communities to examine the proposed infrastructure. However, further approvals, investment and construction will be needed before electricity exports can begin.
If implemented, the project could mark an important step in Algeria’s energy diversification, while strengthening its partnership with Italy and creating new opportunities in renewable energy.
For both countries, the initiative offers a chance to build on their existing energy ties and develop a partnership that extends beyond natural gas.









