Algeria has begun construction of a 136 MW power plant in Tit, Tamanrasset, as the government moves to strengthen electricity supply in the country’s southern regions. The project was launched on Monday, September 14, during a working visit by Sonelgaz’s chief executive, according to Tamanrasset wilaya authorities cited by APS.
The plant is expected to enter service within 30 months and will be built on a 20-hectare site near Tit. Sonelgaz plans to use combined-cycle technology, with the facility designed to provide electricity for around 200,000 households while reducing the southern region’s reliance on diesel-powered generation.
A $120 Million Energy Project
The 136 MW power plant represents an estimated investment of $120 million, financed through state funding and a loan from the African Development Bank.
Construction will be undertaken by a consortium of Algerian engineering companies. Authorities expect the project to create around 500 jobs during construction, followed by approximately 50 permanent positions once the facility becomes operational.
The project also includes a 220-kilovolt transmission line connecting the new generation capacity to the national electricity grid through the In Salah substation.
The facility will comprise two gas turbines and one steam turbine operating in a combined-cycle configuration. The technology is expected to deliver overall efficiency of around 55%, allowing more electricity to be produced from the same fuel input.
A dedicated control centre will also be established in Tamanrasset to monitor the plant and coordinate operations with Algeria’s national electricity dispatch centre in Algiers.
Why the Plant Matters for Southern Algeria
The project is intended to improve electricity reliability in Tamanrasset and surrounding southern areas, where extreme summer temperatures can put additional pressure on power networks.
More stable electricity supplies could support businesses and local economic activity, including small and medium-sized enterprises, agricultural refrigeration and tourism-related services.
The construction phase is also expected to generate demand for local accommodation, transport, catering, logistics, security and waste-management services.
For communities in the Sahara, the project could also expand opportunities for technical employment linked to the energy sector.
Solar Integration and Environmental Assessment
According to the project plans, part of the plant’s electricity generation will be linked to a pilot solar photovoltaic integration initiative, allowing renewable power to contribute to the facility’s own electricity needs.
The project is also expected to undergo an environmental impact assessment covering issues including air quality, noise, water consumption and potential effects on local ecosystems.
Authorities plan to incorporate mitigation measures and public consultations into the project’s development.
Next Steps
Construction is expected to take 30 months, after which the 136 MW facility should add new generation capacity to southern Algeria’s electricity network.
The project also forms part of wider efforts to expand transmission infrastructure in the south and accommodate additional electricity-generation capacity as demand continues to grow.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.