Following the successful inauguration of the Gorou Banda power plant in Niamey, Niger, Sonelgaz-International is now setting its sights on Chad. The Algerian energy giant’s subsidiary is preparing to launch a 40-megawatt electrical facility in N’Djamena, marking another milestone in its African expansion strategy.
new 40 MW power plant coming to N’Djamena
During the official unveiling of the Gorou Banda plant in Niger, Algeria’s Minister of Energy and Renewable Energies, Mourad Adjal, confirmed the imminent groundbreaking for a similar facility in Chad’s capital. Scheduled to begin in the coming days, this project will be executed by Sonelgaz-International as part of its broader African development plan.
The minister highlighted that the subsidiary is also in advanced discussions with Côte d’Ivoire and Mozambique, where similar energy projects are expected to materialize. Sonelgaz-International’s growing influence in the region reflects Algeria’s strategic push to foster public-private partnerships across the continent.
This initiative aligns with the bilateral agreement signed between Algeria and Chad in May, which paved the way for the N’Djamena power plant. The project comes on the heels of a landmark accord with Niger, where Sonelgaz-International achieved what its CEO described as an “unprecedented industrial and logistical feat”.
From Niamey to N’Djamena: a rapid deployment
Yazid Djellouli, CEO of Sonelgaz-International, revealed that logistical operations for the Gorou Banda plant began in March, immediately after the Algerian-Nigerien agreements were signed. The swift execution involved mobilizing over 50 engineers and technicians, while more than 20 cargo flights by Air Algérie Cargo ensured the timely delivery of equipment.
In Djellouli’s words, the project was completed in record time, with the plant now set to boost Niger’s national electricity output by approximately 20% and enhance power supply to Niamey. Beyond electricity generation, Sonelgaz-International is also conducting feasibility studies to strengthen Niger’s power grid, including critical routes such as Niamey-Agadez.
The CEO emphasized that Sonelgaz-International’s expertise stems from successful large-scale projects totaling 8,000 MW and 4,000 MW, enabling the subsidiary to export Algeria’s technical know-how across Africa.
Training and future collaborations
Khalil Hedna, Director of Communication at Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Renewable Energies, underscored the Gorou Banda plant as a key step in Sonelgaz’s international growth. He noted that Nigerien technicians have already received specialized training in plant operation and maintenance, while discussions are underway to establish a spare parts depot in the country.
Fati Abarchi, CEO of NIGELEC, praised the partnership with Sonelgaz-International as an “exceptional experience” and predicted its continuation. She described the project as a historic milestone for Niger’s energy sector, reinforcing bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
