afrol News, 26 February - The Algerian government has announced its plans to erect the first ever nuclear power plant by 2020, Energy and Mining Minister Chakib Khelil has said.

Minister Khelil said Algeria will also build new plants every five year after the erection of the fisrst station.

The Minister said Algeria has already signed civil nuclear agreements with Argentina, France, China and the United States. “Algeria presently has two experimental nuclear plants in Draria, in the suburbs of Algiers and another one in Ain Oussera, near Djelfa about 300 kms from capital Algiers,” he said, stating that further negotiations were underway with Russia and South Africa.

He said the draft bill on nuclear energy, which had been submitted to the government, foresees notably the setting up of a National Agency for Nuclear Safety and Security, stating that it would be a major achievement for the country.

”The agency, coming under the Algerian state, will be assigned to monitor the use of nuclear energy, and the setting up of development and research firms in the field of electro-nuclear energy,” he said.

Mr Khelil said the solar energy would also be granted greater importance for being environmental friendly.

According to forecasts on Algeria's renewable energy sources, 60 percent would be from solar power while the rest would be from wind or nuclear. The largest part of energy sources will be generated from natural gas according to the government statement.

Algeria is currently building a pilot hybrid solar-gas power station in Hassi Rmel in the Sahara that would be able to generate 150 MW, of which 35 percent would be generated by sunlight, the government said in a statement

The oil cartel member, Algeria, has plentiful oil and gas reserves but wants to develop other energy sources to free up more hydrocarbons for lucrative export or to make petrochemicals.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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