Sonelgaz expands energy footprint with 40 MW plant in Chad
N’Djamena is poised to welcome a new 40-megawatt power plant, marking Sonelgaz-International’s second major energy venture in Africa following its successful project in Niger.
In a recent announcement, the Algerian energy minister Mourad Adjal confirmed that groundbreaking for the new facility in Chad’s capital will take place within days. The project, spearheaded by Sonelgaz-International, aligns with Algeria’s strategy to strengthen energy cooperation across the continent.
The announcement came during the inauguration of the 40 MW Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, a milestone for Sonelgaz-International as its first international energy project. The Gorou Banda plant, inaugurated by Algerian Prime Minister Sifi Ghrieb alongside Nigerien Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine, has already enhanced Niger’s national electricity output by an estimated 20%, with significant benefits for Niamey’s energy supply.
Speaking at the Niamey event, Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz-International, highlighted the logistical challenges overcome to complete the Niger project in record time. “Under the guidance of the Algerian energy minister and the president’s directives, we mobilized over 50 engineers and technicians, executing more than 20 air cargo flights via Air Algérie Cargo to transport equipment,” he explained. “This project is a testament to Algerian industrial and logistical expertise.”
The CEO also revealed that Sonelgaz-International is advancing studies to rehabilitate and reinforce Niger’s power grid, particularly along the Niamey-Agadez corridor, signaling potential future contracts. “Our expertise, honed through programs totaling 12,000 MW with major international firms, now enables us to export Algeria’s energy know-how,” Djellouli added.
The minister noted growing interest from other African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, in Sonelgaz-International’s expertise. He emphasized the subsidiary’s role in fostering partnerships between Algerian public and private enterprises for future African projects.
The Chad project follows a bilateral agreement signed between Algeria and Chad in May to construct the N’Djamena power plant. Khalil Hedna, director of communication for Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, described the Niger plant as a pivotal step in Sonelgaz-International’s international expansion. He also mentioned training programs for Nigerien personnel in plant operation and maintenance, as well as plans to establish a spare parts depot.
Fati Abarchi, director-general of NIGELEC, praised the Algeria-Niger partnership as an “exceptional experience,” adding that the collaboration would leave a lasting mark on Niger’s energy sector.
