Chinese consortium to develop solar energy project in Algeria

Algerian project won by Chinese consortium

A consortium comprised of Yingli Green Energy, Sinohydrogen Corporation, and Hydrochina, has been awarded a development project based in Algeria. The project itself is being managed by Kahraba wa el Taket el Moutadiadida, a subsidiary of one of the largest utilities in Algeria. The consortium will be responsible for the development of a new solar energy system that will be used to provide electrical power to homes and businesses throughout the country.

Project to have a capacity of 233MW

The solar system is expected to have a capacity of 233 megawatts, which will be funneled into the Algerian energy grid and distributed by Sonelgaz, a leading utility. The solar energy project will take advantage of the technology being provided by the consortium of Chinese companies, especially the photovoltaic modules being provided by Yingli. Development on the project is not expected to begin until January of 2014.

China continues to establish a lead in solar power

Several Chinese companies have managed to establish a strong foothold in the solar energy sector in recent years, with Yingli being one of the largest and most successful of these companies. China itself has a powerful solar industry that has helped lower the cost of photovoltaic modules throughout the world. Despite recent problems with this domestic industry, companies like Yingli have managed to find success in other markets, where the demand for solar energy is growing at a rapid pace.

Solar energy project may be a boon for Algeria

The Chinese consortium is set to develop some 318 megawatts of solar energy in Algeria across four projects. These projects are meant to reduce Algeria’s reliance on fossil-fuels, thereby limiting the emissions that the country produces. The solar energy projects are also expected to provide some economic benefits as well, through the creation of new jobs. Once the projects are producing electricity, the need for fossil-fuels will also fall, thereby reducing the costs associated with the acquisition and transportation of fossil-fuels.