Algeria launches intersectoral task force to curb energy waste and boost hydrocarbon exports
via Algérie3602 min read
Algeria's Minister of Energy, Mohamed Arkab, has established an intersectoral commission to combat energy waste, aiming to redirect conserved hydrocarbons towards export and industrial development. This initiative addresses the increasing domestic energy consumption that threatens export volumes. The strategy focuses on improving efficiency at Sonatrach's production sites, refineries, and liquefaction units, which are significant energy consumers themselves. The government estimates that every cubic meter of gas saved through improved combustion technologies or thermal insulation can be sold internationally or converted into local industrial products. The plan includes three key pillars: deploying solar parks at Sonatrach's production sites to power operations, intensifying efforts to eliminate gas flaring, and conducting a "zero waste" audit of refineries to identify and modernize energy-intensive machinery. Beyond optimizing current resources, Algeria is also investing in green hydrogen in partnership with global leaders, positioning itself as a strategic supplier of decarbonized energy to Europe. This comprehensive approach aims to meet climate commitments by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and strengthening the national budget through increased foreign exchange earnings.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Must ReadAlgeria is leveraging its pharmaceutical industry as a key tool in its economic diplomacy across Africa. Following Niger's recent request for assistance with its medical supply, a delegation of Chadian businesspeople visited the Saidal complex in El Harrach. The public group Saidal aims to become a leading pharmaceutical hub on the continent. Discussions between Saidal CEO Mourad Belkhelfa and Chadian private sector representatives focused on upcoming export contracts to meet growing regional demand. Algerian therapeutic solutions are gaining traction due to their certified quality, proven efficacy, and competitive pricing, which is significantly lower than European imports, making healthcare more accessible for low-income populations. This visit by the Chadian delegation is part of a broader diplomatic effort positioning Algeria as a regional health pivot, building on Niger's official request last month for urgent vaccine and medicine supplies. The activation of the Algiers-N'Djamena axis demonstrates the commitment of Chadian operators to establish a lasting partnership for essential product stocks. For Saidal, this expansion into the Sahel is a strategic mission to foster health autonomy in the region. By opening its factories to regional partners, Saidal is contributing to the state's goal of diversifying non-hydrocarbon revenues. The group identifies the specific needs of neighboring markets, such as antibiotic therapy, chronic treatments, and vaccines, offering comprehe
The specialized criminal court for financial and economic corruption cases at the Sidi M'Hamed tribunal has delivered its verdict in a case involving former Minister of Pharmaceutical Industry, Ali Aoun, and several co-defendants. Ali Aoun was sentenced to five years in prison and fined one million dinars, with immediate incarceration ordered. His son, Mehdi, received a six-year prison sentence and a fine of 200,000 dinars. Karim Boulaïoun, general director of the El Hadjar steel complex, and Noureddine Salhi, general director of the National Foundry Company, Fondal, were each sentenced to three years in prison and fined one million dinars. Businessman A.A, known as "Nounou Manita," was sentenced to ten years in prison and fined one million dinars. An economic operator, Ch.M, and the president of an equestrian club, K.A, each received five-year prison sentences and a one-million-dinar fine. An investor, B.S, was sentenced to ten years in prison. Conversely, former Madar group CEO Charaf-Eddine Amara was acquitted, along with several pharmaceutical company managers and a director of an automobile import company. The charges against the accused included alleged involvement in mismanagement and the conclusion of industrial and investment contracts in violation of regulations. The case specifically involved suspicious transactions related to the sale and purchase of ferrous waste and copper residues, as well as the granting of contracts contrary to legislation, impacting the publ
Algerian public authorities have launched a unified digital platform for vehicle registration cards, marking the end of traditional paper-based procedures. This initiative aims to simplify vehicle sales and purchases, enhance transparency, and save citizens time and energy. The new platform utilizes an advanced national computer system, allowing all vehicle ownership transfer procedures to be completed online. Citizens can now obtain a registration card in as little as 15 minutes, with requests processed through a fast and efficient digital interface, reducing bureaucracy and the need for repeated administrative visits. A key technical innovation is the use of QR codes, providing each vehicle with a unique digital identity. This measure aims to increase transparency by limiting document falsification and combating fraud, build trust by instantly verifying data between sellers and buyers, and secure transactions through a centralized encryption system. Despite the digitalization, certain administrative steps remain necessary to ensure legality. Files must be submitted to the territorially competent commune, which is the owner's place of residence. The required documents include a copy of the biometric national identity card, the original registration card crossed out only at the vehicle registration office, a completed and legalized vehicle registration application form, a valid technical inspection report, and a receipt for required fees. In accordance with the 2025 finance l
A court in Dar El-Beïda has sentenced an individual to four years in prison and a fine of 200,000 dinars for the apology of terrorist acts via information and communication technologies. The accused was acquitted of belonging to a terrorist organization. The court also ordered the return of his Algerian and American passports. Security reports indicated close ties between the accused and the MAK terrorist movement, with several family members active in the organization. Investigations revealed the accused committed acts against state symbols and the nation, and made offensive remarks against the Muslim religion and the Prophet, including insulting publications and attacks on the Quran. He reportedly used multiple Facebook accounts to promote MAK, support its ideas, and relay its activities, leading to his inclusion on wanted lists. The accused denied any affiliation with MAK or its leader, Ferhat Mehenni, and denied links to the incriminated accounts. He stated he is a father, lived in the United States for seven years after leaving Algeria in 2007, and holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Tizi Ouzou. He worked in taxation at the American embassy and received computer programming training. He returned to Algeria on June 8, 2025, and was arrested at Houari Boumediene Airport. During interrogation, the judge presented technical evidence from a digital analysis of his phone, including inciting publications from pages he allegedly administered. The accused was