Algeria’s Green Energy Push: 1.4 Gigawatts of Chinese Solar Panels Imported in Nine Months

In a dramatic surge underscoring its renewable energy ambitions, Algeria imported a staggering 1.4 gigawatts of solar panels from China in the first nine months of 2025. This figure represents a monumental leap from the mere 20 megawatts recorded during the same period in 2024, signaling a decisive shift in the nation’s energy strategy.

A Surge in Solar Imports

Data from the Washington, D.C.-based specialized platform Attaqa reveals that January and September of 2025 were the peak months for this import activity. This accelerating trend dovetails with the rollout of multiple solar power plant projects across the North African country, a program that gained significant momentum last year.

So, what does the monthly breakdown look like? January was the undisputed frontrunner, with a massive 390 megawatts of solar panels arriving on Algerian soil. September followed as a strong second with 240 megawatts. The import volumes for the rest of the year were distributed as follows:

• February: 10 MW
• March: 60 MW
• April: 160 MW
• May: 150 MW
• June: 90 MW
• July: 210 MW
• August: 90 MW

Quarterly Momentum and National Goals

Analyzing the data by quarter, the first quarter of 2025 led the charge with 460 megawatts. The momentum continued with 400 megawatts in the second quarter and climbed again to 540 megawatts in the third quarter, painting a picture of sustained and growing investment.

This import frenzy is not happening in a vacuum. It is a direct response to Algeria’s concrete plans to bolster its renewable energy capacity. For context, the nation’s entire electricity production capacity from renewable sources stood at just 601 megawatts in 2024. The state-owned utility giant, Sonelgaz, is at the heart of this transformation, having signed a series of contracts for the construction of twenty new solar power plants.

Fifteen of these plants are slated to generate nearly 2 gigawatts of power, with an additional five contributing a further 1 gigawatt. This comprehensive Sonelgaz program has a clear target: to install 3 gigawatts of renewable capacity. The first phase of this ambitious project is expected to come online between December 2025 and January 2026.

Diversifying Away from Gas

Behind these numbers lies a strategic national imperative. Algeria, a country long reliant on its vast natural gas reserves for both domestic power and export revenue, is actively seeking to diversify its electricity production. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build a more sustainable energy future.

The government has set a formidable target: to increase its production capacity from renewable energy sources to 15 gigawatts by 2035. The massive influx of Chinese solar panels in 2025 is a powerful indicator that Algeria is not just paying lip service to this goal but is actively building the infrastructure to achieve it.

Source: Attaqa