Within the framework of discussing the budget of the energy and renewable energies sector, in light of the 2026 Finance Bill, Dr. Mourad Adjal, Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, appeared today, Monday, 27 October 2025, before the National People’s Assembly, where he presented a report on the sector’s budget before the Finance and Budget Committee. The session was chaired by Mr. Mohamed Ben Hashem, Committee Chair, in the presence of the Minister of Relations with Parliament, Ms. Najiba Djilali, committee members, and senior officials from the Ministry.
Dr. Mourad Adjal opened his presentation by affirming that the program of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, places meeting the population’s and national economy’s basic energy needs among its priorities—a goal the sector has achieved through electricity and gas connection programs. Coverage has reached 99% for electricity with over 12.5 million customers, and 72% for gas with over 8.2 million customers.
Regarding the sector’s achievements within the framework of the state’s social policy, the Minister explained that the energy sector has connected over 2.4 million homes to gas and over 456,000 homes to electricity since 2002. The construction of gas transmission and distribution networks has ensured the connection of 8.2 million customers, a figure expected to rise upon completion of ongoing projects.
The Minister also highlighted the sector’s significant role in developing the local economic fabric and encouraging the private sector. Sonelgaz successfully met demand in 2025 with ease and connected 95,286 agricultural investors since 2022, with the program set to exceed 100,000 investors by year-end. Additionally, 43 industrial zones were connected to electricity (3 fully completed) and 29 industrial zones to gas (19 fully completed), alongside 100 activity zones connected to electricity and 71 to gas. For social housing, all local programs were completed, including the establishment of 1,000 electric vehicle charging points and the near-completion of free carbon monoxide detector installations. The sector also connected five water desalination plants to electricity and launched a study to connect three more. Participation in the 2025–2026 school year preparation was also highlighted.
On energy transition achievements, the Minister discussed the 15,000 MW renewable energy program targeting 2035, with the first phase of 3,200 MW across 14 Wilayas already underway. The sector is preparing to supply remote and off-grid areas with electricity, particularly in the southern regions, alongside projects for gradual hydrogen development for various uses, supported by Algeria’s significant capacities. A national strategy for this sector has been finalized, requiring coordinated implementation involving regulatory frameworks, feasibility studies, human capital development, technology transfer, and financing. Algeria has entered the second stage of this roadmap with pilot projects via Sonelgaz and Sonatrach, including technical and economic feasibility studies for optimized, high-yield projects.
These programs complement the electricity interconnection project between the northern and southern Mediterranean, strengthening Algeria’s position as a key energy supplier to Europe. In parallel, Sonelgaz continues efforts to maintain its leading position in electricity production, including connecting the southern electricity network to the national grid.
Regarding the electrical and gas industries, the Minister highlighted industrial development through major projects and prospects for cooperation with African countries. Sonelgaz has initiated several operations to export electricity, equipment, and services, alongside achievements in digitization and cybersecurity enhancement.
Concerning the 2026 Finance Bill, Dr. Mourad Adjal explained that most of the energy and renewable energies sector budget is allocated to supporting electricity and gas connection projects, subsidizing electricity bills in southern and highland Wilayas, developing new and renewable energies, energy management, supporting new Wilayas, and launching two LPG plants in Ain Guezzam and Bordj Badji Mokhtar to connect the first municipalities in these Wilayas and expand gas coverage nationwide.
On nuclear energy, particularly medical applications, the Minister stated that the Nuclear Research Center will be modernized and directed toward producing radioactive isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis and treatment, supporting local production, reducing imports, and improving patient care and treatment times.
In addition to the Ministry’s proposed budget programs, Sonelgaz will continue implementing key projects, particularly the completion of energy facilities, creating 618 jobs in 2026, including 297 in southern Wilayas.
In conclusion, Dr. Mourad Adjal praised all sector employees, particularly Sonelgaz staff, for successfully implementing these projects despite challenges, urging them to continue supporting Algeria’s economic development. He reiterated the strategic importance of the energy and renewable energies sector, which leads in addressing the world’s economic, technological, and environmental challenges, ensuring reliable, modern, sustainable, and affordable energy services that underpin Algeria’s stability and prosperity.