Algeria and Chad ink deal for 40 MW power plant in N’Djamena

A landmark agreement was sealed in Algiers today as Algeria and Chad formalized plans to build a 40-megawatt power plant in N’Djamena.

Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies Mourad Adjal and Chad’s Minister of Water and Energy Passalé Kanabé Marcelin inked the deal, marking a significant step in bilateral collaboration. The project aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision of fostering African solidarity and deepening South-South cooperation.

Technical groundwork completed

This milestone follows intensive discussions between Adjal and Marcelin during the latter’s working visit to Algeria. The talks explored avenues for joint ventures in energy and renewables, focusing on concrete initiatives spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution, equipment supply, and workforce training.

Adjal confirmed that technical studies for the plant were finalized after Sonelgaz technical teams recently conducted an on-site assessment in Chad. He noted that both nations are now poised to advance to equipment exportation and site preparation for the groundbreaking ceremony. Additionally, he revealed that Chadian technicians will soon undergo a month-long training program at Sonelgaz academies in Algeria. These experts will later oversee the plant’s operations once commissioned. The partnership also includes plans to upgrade N’Djamena’s existing power grid.

Algeria: a model of energy excellence

Marcelin hailed the agreement as a «historic milestone» in South-South collaboration and a cornerstone of Algeria-Chad relations. He recalled that last April’s state visit by Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno to Algeria laid the groundwork for this robust partnership.

Expressing gratitude for Algeria’s sustained support in the energy sector, Marcelin praised Algeria’s standing as a «true benchmark» across Africa for its electricity generation capabilities. He emphasized Chad’s eagerness to leverage Algeria’s technical know-how, noting that 12 Chadian trainees are currently undergoing power plant operation training in Algeria, with more cohorts expected to follow.

Fully Algerian-led project

Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz International, emphasized that the N’Djamena plant will be «entirely Algerian» in design, equipment, and labor. He confirmed that Chadian authorities are preparing the construction site while equipment shipments and execution phases are set to commence shortly.

The initiative underscores Sonelgaz’s strategic expansion into Africa, with Djellouli revealing that the company has fielded multiple inquiries from African nations for energy and infrastructure projects since its March establishment. Saleh Ben Haliki, Director General of Chadian Electricity (TchadElec), echoed this sentiment, calling the plant one of the first tangible outcomes of the «renewed energy ties» between Algeria and Chad. He highlighted Chad’s commitment to adopting Algeria’s proven expertise, positioning Algeria as a «regional leader» in reliable electricity access.