Sonelgaz-International accelerates African energy expansion with new 40 MW plant in Chad

Following the successful inauguration of its 40-megawatt (MW) Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Sonelgaz-International is now setting its sights on Chad. The Algerian energy giant is preparing to launch a similar 40 MW facility in the Chadian capital, N’Djamena, in the coming weeks.

Milestone in Niamey sets stage for Chadian project

The Gorou Banda plant, inaugurated on June 3 in the presence of high-ranking officials from both Algeria and Niger, marked Sonelgaz-International’s first overseas power project. Yazid Djellouli, CEO of the subsidiary, described the initiative as a “remarkable industrial and logistical achievement”.

Speaking on the project’s rapid execution, Djellouli highlighted the strategic directives from Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, which enabled Sonelgaz-International to mobilize resources immediately after agreements were signed in March. The logistics operation involved over twenty flights by Air Algérie Cargo, transporting essential equipment and a team of fifty engineers and technicians to Niamey.

Chad joins Algeria’s growing African energy footprint

Building on the momentum from the Gorou Banda inauguration, Chad will soon see groundbreaking for its own 40 MW plant in N’Djamena. The project aligns with the energy cooperation agreement signed between Algeria and Chad in May, reinforcing the North African nation’s strategic presence in Sub-Saharan energy markets.

Minister Adjal confirmed during the Niamey ceremony that Sonelgaz-International is also exploring opportunities in the Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, signaling broader ambitions across the continent. The subsidiary aims to leverage Algerian public and private sector expertise to develop integrated energy solutions in partner countries.

Transforming regional energy landscapes

The Gorou Banda plant is expected to boost Niger’s national electricity production by approximately 20%, significantly enhancing power supply to Niamey. Beyond power generation, Sonelgaz-International is conducting feasibility studies for rehabilitating and strengthening Niger’s electricity grid along the Niamey-Agadez corridor, with potential follow-up contracts.

Djellouli emphasized the company’s track record, noting prior achievements such as 8,000 MW and 4,000 MW projects with major international firms. “These milestones enabled us to establish Sonelgaz-International and export Algeria’s energy expertise abroad,” he stated.

Collaboration between Algeria and Niger extended beyond infrastructure, with training programs for Nigerien personnel in plant operations and maintenance. Discussions are also underway to establish a spare parts depot, further solidifying the partnership.

Fati Abarchi, Director-General of NIGELEC, praised the cooperation as an “exceptional experience” that will “enter the annals of Niger’s energy history.”

A blueprint for future energy partnerships

Khalil Hedna, Director of Communication at Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, described the Gorou Banda project as a critical step in Sonelgaz-International’s international expansion. He also highlighted the transfer of technical knowledge to local teams, positioning the initiative as a model for future ventures.

The Chadian project follows the same blueprint, ensuring a seamless transition of Algeria’s energy expertise to Central Africa. With multiple African nations expressing interest, Sonelgaz-International stands at the forefront of the continent’s evolving energy landscape.