Renewables in the Energy Mix of Algeria, a pledge for food security

Abstract

This paper examines the renewables potential in the energy mix of Algeria with a special insight to bioenergy and food security. In recent years, and at global scale, bioenergy was seen as the leading renewable energy source. That contribution was particularly consistent with long term climate targets. The 2015 updated version of the Algeria Renewable Energy Development Program foresees the introduction of biomass sector with a contribution of 1000 MW by 2030.  This represents barely 5% of the country’s renewable energy targets which amount to 22 000 MW, 93.5% of which are planned for solar and wind. In 2020, this objective has been reduced to 15,000 MW and the deadline extended to 2035. To date, despite the growing perception of a real desire to encourage clean energy projects, the renewable energy installed capacity is less than 500 MW without any contribution from the biomass sector. However, whatever the goals or the achievements, the need for renewable deployment is crucial for strategic purposes such as energy, water desalination and food security. The relationship between food security, sustainable development, and renewable energy is well demonstrated. Ensuring food security is closely linked with energy, hence with renewable energy sources in the middle and long term, including biomass valorization. This paper presents a comprehensive outlook of the bioenergy sector, highlighting the barriers which stand in the path of biomass recovery and use. Today, it appears clearly that a significant increase in renewable energy can only be achieved by higher solar power production.