Algerian energy policy and potential to reducing greenhouse gas emissions

ABSTRACT

In Algeria, energy consumption is growing rapidly. Due to the high demand and declining conventional energy resources, the country developed a new energy policy based on the promotion of renewable energies and CO₂ mitigation. For this purpose, the authorities have taken new steps to reinforce the legislative and institutional framework and put in place a favorable financial support. In addition, an ambitious program to develop solar energy and energy efficiency was adopted recently. The objective of this strategy is to achieve by 2030 a 40% share of solar electricity and to contribute, voluntarily, to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In this work, we present an analysis of the current situation and its projection to 2030 and we examine the available opportunities to reduce significantly GHG emissions. The study presents the magnitude of emissions in 2008 and 2012, the temporal evolution of CO₂ and particularly what will be the impact on GHG emissions of the new strategy. The results show that, in 2012, GHG emissions totaled 153 MT CO₂ eq. and growing at a rate of over 3%. However, there is a high potential for mitigation, especially in energy sectors, in building, transportation, as well as waste management and gas flaring. Two scenarios are developed: with implementation of solar energy and without. This analysis shows that the overall potential of CO₂ mitigation will rise in 2030 to about 300 MT CO2 eq.

KEYWORDS:

• Climate change
• CO₂ mitigation
• emissions scenarios
• energy policy
• energy strategy
• GHG emissions
• renewable energy
• solar electricity