Algeria
Algeria ranks 51st in this year’s CCPI and is among the low performers. The country rates medium in the GHG Emissions and Energy Use categories and very low in Renewable Energy and Climate Policy.
Algeria submitted its first Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in 2015, targeting a 7–22% reduction of GHG emissions by 2030 (compared with a business-as-usual scenario with 2012 as the base year). In the CCPI, this target rates high compared with a well below 2°C benchmark. In general, the CCPI country experts note some improvement in climate policy in Algeria, but implementation is lacking, with a lack of coordination and ability to develop regional strategies.
The NDC’s target of 27% renewable electricity by 2030 rates very low compared with the CCPI benchmark of well below 2°C. Currently, Algeria has the lowest ranking share of renewable energy in energy use, at just 0.11%. The experts point out that biomass could play an important role in Algeria’s future energy mix, but it is still at the research stage.
A Large-Scale Fossil Fuel Exporter That Is Vulnerable to Climate Change
Algeria is one of the world’s largest fossil fuel exporters; fossil fuels account for over 90% of total exports. The country is the second largest supplier of gas to Europe after Norway and among the 10 countries with the largest developed gas reserves. This makes Algeria highly dependent on these exports; therefore, the experts stress it is essential for Algeria to prepare now for its post-oil future.
The experts identify Algeria as vulnerable to climate change. The Green Dam project, which aims to halt desertification by planting millions of trees is, thus, back on the political agenda.
The experts recommend overall strengthening of the climate policy framework and an NDC update. A plan for Algeria’s post-fossil fuel future should be developed and renewable energy should be deployed at a faster rate.
Key Outcomes
- Algeria ranks 51st in this year’s CCPI and is among the low performers
- Currently, Algeria has the lowest ranking share of renewable energy in energy use, at just 0.11%
- The experts recommend overall strengthening of the climate policy framework and an NDC update. A plan for Algeria’s post-fossil fuel future should be developed and renewable energy should be deployed at a faster rate
CCPI Experts
The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:
- Mustapha Saadi (Sakora Consulting)
