A significant accord was formally signed this Thursday in Algiers, marking a pivotal step between Algeria and Chad for the construction of a 40-megawatt electricity generation facility in N’Djamena.

The agreement, aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation, saw the signatures of Mourad Adjal, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, and Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy. This initiative aligns with the vision of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, emphasizing support for African nations and fostering robust South-South partnerships through concrete projects like this 40-megawatt power plant in the Chadian capital.

Technical blueprint complete

This landmark signing followed extensive discussions between Minister Adjal and his Chadian counterpart, who was on a working visit to Algeria. Their talks focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across the energy and renewable energy sectors. They explored avenues for strengthening ties through tangible projects encompassing electricity production, transmission, and distribution, alongside the supply of electrical and gas equipment, and specialized training programs.

Minister Adjal highlighted that the technical study for the power plant’s development has already been finalized. This achievement comes after Algerian technical teams from the Sonelgaz group traveled to Chad just last week. He confirmed both nations are now poised to move to the equipment export phase, anticipating the imminent groundbreaking ceremony for the project. Furthermore, Adjal announced that Chadian technical personnel are scheduled to arrive in Algeria for a month-long training program at Sonelgaz schools. These teams will eventually be responsible for operating the power plant once it becomes operational. The cooperative efforts also extend to the crucial rehabilitation of N’Djamena’s existing electrical network.

Algeria, “a true benchmark” 

Minister Marcelin, for his part, characterized the agreement for the power plant as a “historic milestone” within the framework of South-South collaboration and a vital progression in Algerian-Chadian relations. He underscored that the leaders of both countries had laid the groundwork for a robust partnership during Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno’s official visit to Algeria last April.

Expressing profound gratitude to President Tebboune for his steadfast support and guidance in the energy domain, Marcelin affirmed that Algeria has emerged as “a true benchmark” for numerous African countries, particularly in electricity provision, given its impressive production capacities. He conveyed Chad’s aspiration to leverage Algerian expertise, noting that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing instruction in Algeria on power plant operation, with further groups expected to benefit from similar specialized courses.

A power plant “one hundred percent Algerian”

Yazid Djellouli, President and CEO of Sonelgaz International, informed that the upcoming power plant in Chad will be “one hundred percent Algerian” in its construction, equipment, and workforce. He confirmed that Chadian authorities would soon commence site preparation work for the infrastructure, concurrently with the transfer of equipment and the official launch of construction activities.

Djellouli articulated the company’s strategic objective to expand its footprint across Africa. Since its establishment last March, Sonelgaz International has received numerous inquiries from various African nations regarding energy and related infrastructure projects. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of TchadElec, lauded the power plant initiative as one of the initial significant outcomes of the “new relations” between Algeria and Chad in the energy sector. He emphasized Chad’s eagerness to benefit from Algeria’s proven expertise, recognizing Algeria’s status as “a true reference” in electrical coverage.