Algeria's Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies has reported a significant increase in vandalism and sabotage against Sonelgaz's electrical installations. According to Khalil Hedna, Director of Communication at the ministry, 1,535 acts of vandalism and sabotage have been recorded this year, resulting in substantial losses. These acts have caused fluctuations and interruptions in the electricity transport and distribution network, affecting citizens and businesses alike.
The losses resulting from these acts of sabotage are estimated at 819 million dinars, a figure that raises concerns about the role and responsibility of citizens in reporting such aggressions. The main targets of these vandals are copper cables, often referred to as "red gold" due to their high value for recycling or resale on the black market. These acts have caused power outages, internet and phone disruptions, and water shortages, severely impacting subscribers, citizens, and public and private enterprises.
The vandalism has also had broader implications for the country's energy infrastructure. Khalil Hedna highlighted that the sabotage affects not only the electricity supply but also other essential services. The Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies is working to address these issues and prevent future incidents. The authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious activities that could compromise the integrity of the electrical installations.
In a separate development, Algeria is progressing with its strategic project, the Corridor Sud de l'hydrogène vert, also known as Corridor South2. This project aims to transport green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe via Tunisia, promoting the use of clean energy. The corridor will connect Algeria to Italy, and eventually to Austria, Germany, and other central European countries, spanning a distance of 3,300 kilometers.
The Corridor South2 project is currently in the study and development phase, with completion expected by 2027. The project is anticipated to be operational by 2030, providing an alternative to natural gas and supporting Europe's transition to cleaner energy. This initiative is part of Algeria's efforts to become a key player in the renewable energy sector and to strengthen its cooperation with European countries in the field of clean energy.
The Corridor South2 project is expected to bring significant benefits to Algeria, including attracting new investments and facilitating technology transfers. The project will also contribute to accelerating the transition and diversification of energy sources, with plans to export the equivalent of four million tons of green hydrogen per year, meeting 10% of Europe's demand for clean energy by 2040.
The Algerian government is committed to implementing measures to protect its energy infrastructure and prevent further acts of vandalism and sabotage. The authorities are working to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of reporting suspicious activities and to enhance security measures to safeguard the country's electrical installations. By addressing these challenges, Algeria aims to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for its citizens and businesses.
Key points
- Algeria's Sonelgaz faces 819 million DA in losses due to 1,535 acts of vandalism and sabotage on its electrical installations this year.
- The Corridor South2 project aims to transport green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe via Tunisia, promoting the use of clean energy.
- The project is expected to be operational by 2030, providing an alternative to natural gas and supporting Europe's transition to cleaner energy.
