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The launch of Algeria’s ambitious national solar energy program marks the beginning of a significant transformation in the country’s renewable energy landscape. The program’s primary objective is to generate 15 gigawatts (GW) of solar power by 2035, a major step toward meeting the country’s energy and sustainability goals. As part of this initiative, Algeria has seen a substantial increase in its solar panel imports, particularly from China. According to the latest report from the British think tank Ember, which tracks energy trends, Algeria ranks third in Africa for solar panel imports from China during the period from July 2024 to June 2025, following South Africa and Nigeria.
Algeria’s solar energy efforts have driven a remarkable spike in solar panel imports, with the country importing a total of 1.2 GW of solar panels in the specified period. This quantity of solar panels is sufficient to meet the needs of the 11 photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants currently under construction by Chinese companies in Algeria. In fact, the data reveals that Algeria’s imports have surged by a factor of 33 compared to previous years. The rapid increase in imports underscores the country’s growing commitment to large-scale solar energy projects.
The report highlights that the growth in Algeria’s solar panel imports has been unparalleled. From almost no imports of solar panels in previous years, Algeria’s import volume has reached 1.2 GW, indicating a significant acceleration in the country’s transition to solar energy. This surge is mainly attributed to the ongoing construction of massive solar farms, aimed at addressing both domestic energy demand and export potential.
To reduce its reliance on foreign imports and lower solar energy production costs, Algeria is working on strategies to establish a domestic solar industry. The country recognizes that building a robust local industry is essential to not only meet its long-term solar energy targets but also to make energy production more cost-efficient. To achieve this, Algeria is focusing on forging partnerships with foreign investors, especially Chinese companies, which have shown keen interest in investing in Algeria’s solar sector.
Several major Chinese corporations have expressed willingness to collaborate on large-scale solar energy projects in Algeria. One notable example is Kibing Group, which recently unveiled an ambitious plan to produce 1.5 million tons of photovoltaic glass in Algeria. This project, if implemented, will contribute to the growth of Algeria’s solar manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Longi Group, a leading Chinese solar company, has been in talks with the Algerian Investment Promotion Agency to establish a photovoltaic panel production facility in the country. These foreign investments are expected to play a pivotal role in scaling up Algeria’s solar energy infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.
The development of a local solar industry holds promise for Algeria’s green hydrogen aspirations. Solar energy is seen as a key enabler of green hydrogen production, which has the potential to revolutionize the country’s energy sector. By reducing the costs of solar power production, Algeria aims to make green hydrogen more affordable, which will be crucial for both domestic consumption and export.
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As Algeria prepares to enter the second phase of its 15 GW solar energy program, the country’s focus on local industry development will have far-reaching implications for its renewable energy goals. By building a sustainable domestic supply chain for solar energy, Algeria is positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s renewable energy future, and the country’s collaboration with Chinese companies could serve as a model for other nations looking to develop their own solar industries.
