BF Al Djazair Project in Timimoun: Measures to accelerate energy connection

The CEO of the Sonelgaz Group, Mr. Mourad Adjal, affirmed that the group has taken a series of proactive measures to ensure the connection of the Algerian-Italian project for the production of cereals, legumes, and pasta in the wilaya of Timimoun to the electricity and gas networks, according to a statement released by the group on Sunday.

This declaration was made during a meeting held at the headquarters of Sonelgaz’s General Directorate with a delegation from the company BF Al Djazair—a partnership project between the Italian group BF and the Algerian State, represented by the National Investment Fund (FNI). The delegation was led by the company’s CEO, Mr. Mustapha Houari, and attended by several senior executives from both parties, as well as a representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, the same source noted.

During the meeting—part of the implementation of the high authorities’ guidelines in favor of foreign investment and the strengthening of national development—the measures taken by Sonelgaz subsidiaries to accelerate the technical studies related to connecting the project to the electricity and gas networks were reviewed, the statement added.

On this occasion, Mr. Adjal stressed that Sonelgaz, as a state instrument, is committed to implementing the directives of the high authorities, particularly regarding support for agricultural and rural investment. He emphasized the group’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities to BF Al Djazair to ensure the timely launch of the project, pending the completion of final studies.

For his part, Mr. Houari praised the efficiency and readiness of Sonelgaz to support the implementation of numerous projects, while highlighting the project’s energy requirements.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish a joint working group between Sonelgaz and BF Al Djazair to develop a preliminary roadmap, including the required technical solutions and financial estimates, which will serve as a basis for preparing the contractual framework in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, the statement added.

The joint working group immediately began its work following the meeting, examining the key areas of the roadmap and the steps for its implementation.

The Algerian-Italian project is an integrated initiative for the production of cereals, legumes, and pasta, covering an area of 36,000 hectares in the wilaya of Timimoun, with a total estimated cost of USD 420 million.

It also aims to support national production of cereals and pulses, contribute to the diversification of non-hydrocarbon exports, and create more than 6,700 jobs.