The Role of Algeria in African & Global Energy Markets: Challenges & Opportunities for Local Economic Development

Authors

  • Nourhane Lagreb National Polytechnic School, Algiers, Algeria
  • Maliha Bouayed Meziane National Polytechnic School, Algiers, Algeria

Abstract

Last July during my internship at Schlumberger (SLB), an energy technology company, a local engineer told me: “When the diesel truck arrives to fix the generator, everyone hears it. But when solar panels do their job, no one notices because power flows without anyone noticing. That quiet reliability is how people realize real change has happened”. That is true because when it is that quiet, people realize that something has truly changed for the better! The clean energy not only solves problems but does so in a way that blends into daily life seamlessly and sustainably. When you first hear about Algeria’s energy sector, a vivid image comes to mind: the vast Sahara, its golden sand lying silently above, hiding underground reservoirs of oil and gas, while the sun shines over untapped solar fields stretching across the horizon. A professor from my school once joked: “Our wealth lies under the sand and above it!” referring to Algeria’s traditional oil and gas riches and its enormous solar potential, and this spontaneous remark captures the core challenge and promise facing Algeria today. This paper explores the paradox of immense energy wealth and lack of development, emphasizing on the impact of Algeria's energy sector on its local economic development, exposing the challenges and opportunities arising from its integration into the global energy landscape.

Keywords: Algeria, energy market, future scenarios.

Author Biographies

Nourhane Lagreb, National Polytechnic School, Algiers, Algeria

Nourhane Lagreb is a final-year Electrical Engineering student at National Polytechnic School of Algiers, specializing in renewable energy systems with a focus on hydrogen technology aiming to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. After she got selected, she has participated at the 9th Global Issues Conference (GIC9) and presented “The Role of Algeria in African and Global Energy Markets: Challenges and Opportunities for Local Economic Development.” Passionate about energy and particularly clean energy, Nourhane did many internships at SLB, Sonatrach, and the Center for Research in Renewable Energies (CDER). Outside her academic pursuits, she volunteers in scientific clubs and on campus.

Maliha Bouayed Meziane, National Polytechnic School, Algiers, Algeria

Dr. Maliha Bouayed Meziane is an Associate Professor with a doctorate in Sociolinguistics. At Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, she teaches English for IT and heads the English & Virtual Education Center, where she runs international online classes to enhance cultural and language skills. Her research focuses on integrating digital tools into English language teaching.

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Published

2026-02-24

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2026): Proceedings from the 9th Global Issues Conference

Section

Global Issues Conference Proceedings

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