Bundesminister Sigmar Gabriel und der algerische Energieminister Youcef Yousfi in Berlin © BMWi/ Susanne Eriksson
Gabriel and Yousfi set up a German-Algerian energy partnership
Diversification of the energy mix, increased use of renewables and improving energy efficiency are key themes of the partnership that are also meant to find their way into the business area. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Sigmar Gabriel pointed out: "By establishing an energy partnership between Germany and Algeria, we are creating the framework for intensified exchange on energy-policy issues and for enhanced cooperation in the energy sector. By virtue of its favourable situation with abundant solar and wind energy and its ambitious targets for increased exploitation of renewable energy sources, Algeria is an attractive partner for Germany. For our part we can offer to let Algeria profit from our experience in implementing the Energy Transition and from the expertise of German technology companies. The German-Algerian energy partnership therefore harbours great potential for a sustainable energy supply system in both our countries."
High-level steering panel, ongoing expert cooperation
The institutional structure of the energy partnership provides for a high-level steering panel that will as a rule meet once per year. Furthermore, thematic working groups comprising government and business delegates from both sides are to be set up to promote ongoing expert cooperation.
Algeria currently satisfies nearly all of its energy needs from locally extracted fossil fuels. Despite good potentials, renewable energy resources at present account for only a small share of energy production. To be able to keep up with the rapidly increasing demand for energy, the Algerian government is planning to install 22 gigawatts of new solar and wind power capacity by 2030. As regards fossil energy resources, Algeria is an important supplier of crude oil to Germany. Also, Algeria is already the third most important country of origin for European gas imports, especially to the countries of southern Europe. In future Algeria could also play a major part in securing a reliable gas supply for Germany.
A proven instrument: bilateral energy partnerships
In recent years the German Government has concluded a number of bilateral energy partnerships with important energy-producing, transit and energy-consuming countries. After Morocco and Tunisia, the partnership with Algeria is already the third with a country in northern Africa.
Algerian Energy Minister Yousfi visited Berlin at the invitation of Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Gabriel and Federal Foreign Minister Steinmeier and, while there, also took the opportunity to attend the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue at the Federal Foreign Office.