Mourad Adjal announced on Wednesday in Niamey that the official groundbreaking ceremony for the N’Djamena power plant project in Chad is scheduled for the coming days.
This new electrical facility, boasting a 40-megawatt capacity, will be constructed by Sonelgaz International as part of its strategic expansion across the African continent.
Sonelgaz International demonstrates capability in delivering major energy projects abroad on schedule
The Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies made this statement while attending the inauguration of the 40-megawatt Algero-Nigerien solidarity power plant in Gorou Banda, Niamey. This ceremony was presided over by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb, acting on instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, alongside his Nigerien counterpart, Ali Lamine Zeine Mahaman.
During the event, Adjal expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the Niamey power plant. He emphasized that this achievement serves as clear evidence of Sonelgaz International’s proficiency in executing significant energy infrastructure projects beyond national borders within stipulated timelines.
Rising demand for Sonelgaz International’s specialized expertise
Adjal further revealed that the company has initiated preparations for several new ventures in various African nations. Foremost among these is the 40-megawatt power plant in Chad, with its foundational stone-laying ceremony anticipated in the very near future.
In this context, the minister highlighted a growing interest and increasing demand for Sonelgaz International’s specialized knowledge from numerous African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique. He underscored that these initiatives are integral to major energy programs that the company is committed to realizing, leveraging its technical acumen and proven ability to accelerate project completion.
Fostering robust South-South cooperation
Sonelgaz International is poised to act as a catalyst for both Algerian public and private enterprises by integrating them into the various phases of project execution, following a value chain approach. This strategy, Adjal affirmed, will significantly enhance the presence of Algerian expertise and companies within African markets.
It is recalled that Algeria and Chad formalized an agreement last May for the construction of a power plant in N’Djamena. This move aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, aligning with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s vision to support African nations and advance South-South collaboration.
Substantially boosting N’Djamena’s energy capabilities
From a construction standpoint, the N’Djamena facility will utilize a rapid-deployment production infrastructure, mirroring the successful model previously implemented by Sonelgaz-International in Niamey. This proven experience is intended to serve as a benchmark for optimizing the execution timeline of the N’Djamena project. The site has already seen the mobilization of joint teams comprising engineers, technicians, and specialists from the Sonelgaz group, working in close coordination with local Chadian partners. As part of the project’s implementation, Sonelgaz-International teams have already commenced their initial deployments to N’Djamena.
These initial missions involve engineers, technicians, and specialists tasked with reconnaissance operations, coordinating with local partners, and preparing site logistics. Further rotational deployments are planned to progressively augment the on-the-ground presence as the project progresses. In parallel, logistical arrangements similar to those deployed in Niger are under consideration, particularly concerning equipment transportation and the establishment of primary installations. Ultimately, this power plant is expected to contribute significantly to increasing the energy capacity of the Chadian capital, while simultaneously bolstering the stability of the national electricity grid. It represents a strategic step towards a progressive enhancement of power generation, with anticipated positive impacts on economic sectors and public services.