ISCC Hassi R'mel is a concentrating solar power (CSP) project. Integrated Solar Combined-Cycle (ISCC) technology combines the benefits of solar energy with the benefits of a combined cycle. The solar resource partially substitutes the fossil fuel. The project consists of a 150 MWe hybrid power plant composed of a combined cycle and a 25 MWe solar thermal plant.
Currently, Algerias’s energy mix is mainly based on natural gas (more than 90%) in terms of power generation. Nevertheless, beyond its natural gas reserves, Algeria has a high potential for renewable energies. In 2011, the Algerian Government set a target of 22 GW of new capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
Key data on Algeria
| Area | 2 381 741 km2 |
| Population (2012) | 37 900 000 |
| GDP (2011) | 272 866 US$ mill. |
| Installed power capacity (2011) | 10.9 GW |
| Electricity consumption (2010) | 43 TWh |
| Generation from RE sources (2012) | < 1% |
| Generation from CSP (2012) | 25 MW |
| Primary energy production (2009) | 152.3 MTOE |
| Primary energy net export (2009) | 112 MTOE |
| Total primary energy supply (2009) | 39.7 MTOE |
| Total final consumption (2009) | 25 MTOE |
Algeria is by far the largest country of the Mediterranean. According to a study of the German Aerospace Agency, Algeria has the largest long term land potential for concentrating solar thermal power plants. For further information about the Algerian power sector and CSP opportunities download the Algeria START Mission Report
The Government of Algeria sees ideal opportunities of combining Algeria’s richest fossil energy source – the natural gas – with Algeria’s most abundant renewable energy source – the sun – by integrating concentrating solar power into natural gas combined cycles. Incentive premiums for CSP projects are granted within the framework of Algeria’s Decree 04-92 of March 25th, 2004 relating to the costs of diversification of the electricity production. But beyond this Algeria is looking for a close partnership with the European Union so that Algerian plants may help deliver the green energy needed for Europe to meet its targets. To bring these plans to reality, and to enhance the participation of the private sector - both local and international - a new company has been created. In July 2002, Sonatrach, Sonelgaz and SIM formed a new renewable energy joint venture company called New Energy Algeria (NEAL). NEAL will look at development of solar, wind, biomass, and photovoltaic (PV) energy production.
Algeria’s national renewable energy program is aimed to install 22 GW of renewable energy capacity in Algeria by 2030, of which 12 GW will be intended to meet the domestic electricity demand and, under certain conditions, 10 GW destined for export. It is expected that about 30-40% of the electricity produced for domestic consumption will be from solar energy by 2030.
In 2011, Abengoa commissioned a 150 MW Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plant, which includes 25 MW of solar capacity. The plant, located in Hassi R'Mel in northern Algeria, is composed of a conventional combined cycle and a solar field with a nominal thermal power of 95 MWth. The goal of this project was to integrate the solar thermal technology in a conventional power plant. This combined use reduces the cost and facilitates the deployment of renewable energies in new industrializing countries.
Recently, the German Aerospace Center announced that the first solar tower power in North Africa will be built in Algeria. The aim is to build a solar-gas hybrid power plant with an output of up to seven megawatts. The power plant will be constructed in Boughezoul, on the northern edge of the Sahara desert, and will serve primarily as a pilot and research facility. It will be able to operate using just solar energy or as a hybrid power plant fuelled by a combination of solar power and gas.