Bir Rebaa Nord (Algeria), 18 march 2017 – The Energy Minister of Algeria, Noureddine Boutarfa, and the President and CEO of Sonatrach, Amine Mazouzi, together with the Chief Executive Officer of Eni, Claudio Descalzi, attended the foundation stone laying ceremony of the photovoltaic plant in the Bir Rebaa North field, in the Algerian desert. The plant will supply electricity to the oil field, which is operated by Groupemen Sonatrach Agip (GSA).
The plant will have an output of 10 megawatts and will be used to contribute to the national grid supply, thus enhancing the decarbonization of the Algerian energy system.
The initiative is part of a wide-ranging collaboration between Eni and Sonatrach, established in a November 25, 2016 agreement to cooperatively promote and develop renewable energy sources. The photovoltaic project marks the beginning of a partnership that will lead to the establishment of the first renewable energy joint venture in Algeria and, through the use of Eni technology, transfer knowledge to the region and revitalize the local economy.
"By laying the foundation stone of this plant, Eni confirms our commitment to promoting sustainable energy development in Algeria. Today Eni further demonstrated the company’s progress in the energy transition strategy, which promotes the progressive decarbonisation of production systems and the increased use of renewable sources, "said CEO Claudio Descalzi.
Eni has been present in Algeria since 1981 and is credited as the first foreign partner on 38 mining permits. Equity production in the country yields approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day.
