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Arkab highlights the sector’s efforts to adapt to environmental requirements
Energy
The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, highlighted, last Monday in Algiers, the efforts of the energy sector to adapt to environmental requirements and mitigate the impact of climate change while strengthening Algeria’s position as a reliable energy supplier on the international scene.
Now it is necessary, he said, to strengthen the adaptability of our energy sector and find more sustainable means of development. In this context, Algeria had developed a strategy aimed at “preserving its capacities and long-term commitments, while initiating a gradual, responsible and practical transition process in the sector.” And this, in order to “meet the growing demand in a sustainable, profitable and secure manner, while mitigating the environmental impact,” the minister stressed during the signing ceremony of Sonatrach’s new climate strategy.
On the occasion, he noted that the oil and gas sector was going through a decisive stage governed by environmental requirements, the imperative reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the transition to sustainable energy sources, which requires, he said, “adapted and clear” solutions. He explained that natural gas as a key energy for the global energy transition and a fundamental element of this strategy, allowed Algeria to “guarantee its energy security while meeting growing demand in a sustainable manner”. This thus strengthens its role as a “reliable international partner in the field of energy”.
Moreover, Algeria is “fully committed” to the development of renewable energies, with the aim of reaching a significant share of national electricity production, he continued, arguing that initiatives aimed at reaching 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2035 will allow it to a large extent to achieve its international climate objectives.
The minister cited, in this sense, the Algerian approach combining conventional energy production and the development of renewable energies, which places the country, he said, as “an active pole engaged in the process of energy transition in the region.”
Mr. Arkab recalled, on this occasion, Sonatrach’s voluntary commitment to contribute to the fight against climate change, through a detailed assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions, which makes it possible to “set ambitious objectives in terms of reducing emissions.”
The group has also committed to investing one (1) billion dollars over ten years in a large-scale project: the reforestation of 520,000 hectares, added the minister, specifying that this environmental and economic project will contribute to carbon sequestration, job creation and socio-economic development in Algeria.
In addition, Sonatrach is actively participating in pilot projects aimed at ensuring total control of the hydrogen value chain, he continued, specifying that a project with a capacity of 50 megawatts was under study for the transformation of green hydrogen into ammonia or secondary products.
Mr. Arkab took the opportunity to thank the workers and executives who contributed to the success of the maintenance operation of the Skikda refinery, which required great mastery of techniques.
Manel Z.