The Algerian Challenge between the Dependence on Fossil Fuels and its Huge Potential in Renewable Energy

Abstract- Algeria plays a very important role in world energy markets, both as a significant hydrocarbon producer and as an exporter, as well as a key participant in the renewable energy market. Due to its geographical location, Algeria holds one of the highest solar potentials in the world. This paper present the currently situation of the renewable energy and assesses present and future potential of renewable energy sources (RESs) in Algeria and also discusses the trends and expectation in solar systems applications and the aspects of future implementation of renewable energies in the Europe, Middle East and North Africa (EU-MENA) region status. The problem related to the use of RES and polices to enhance the use of these sources are also investigated. The co-importance of both policy and technology investments for the future Algerian markets of RES and competitiveness of the solar/wind/biomass approach is highlighted. An example of policy significantly impacting Algerian project are reviewed ( The DESERTEC project). Keywords- renewable energy, hydrocarbons, Algeria, solar power, wind energy, efficiency program, potential resource