Algeria proposes reduced customs duty rate on solar panel components
Algeria’s draft finance law for 2026 includes a reduced customs duty rate of 5% on products intended for the manufacture of solar panels, as well as an exemption for electrolyzers required for hydrogen production.
PV-driven desalination system for brackish water
Algerian researchers have built a single-stage solar and battery desalination system for brackish water that uses a hybrid spotted hyena optimizer and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to improve efficiency. Simulations and real-time tests showed high performance, steady water output, and low salinity under changing solar conditions.
Solar panel cleaning based on rolling film, motors
Scientists in Morocco have developed a novel solar panel cleaning system designed to remove dust and bird droppings. Their prototype was built at a total cost of $386 and is ready to incorporate AI features in the future.
Engie sells Africa off-grid business to Ignite
UAE-based Ignite has bought Engie Energy Access, creating Africa’s largest off-grid solar and minigrid operator, serving 15 million people.
Optimal sizing for AC multi-bus microgrids based on solar, storage
A French–Moroccan research group has developed a two-stage hierarchical techno-economic model to optimize AC multi-bus microgrids in remote areas. This microgrid configuration is more complex than that of standalone systems but offers several advantages in terms of cost efficiency and energy reliability.
New model to optimize desert PV plant cleaning schedule
Scientists have used a CPLEX-based MIP model and tested it on a section of the 10 MW Masdar City Solar Photovoltaic Plant. In their simulation, they assume the use of two robotic cleaners to operate over a 90-day horizon. Total cleaning costs were estimated at $7,987.
One-year testing shows ground-mounted PV achieves ‘superior’ performance ratio in Sahara
A 12-month testing of a 1.1 MW pilot PV facility built in 2016 in Algeria’s desert has shown that tracking-equipped ground-mounted PV can reach high performance ratio values under Saharan conditions. The plant was built with a variety of PV module technologies.
Scatec’s investment portfolio in Egypt valued at $3.6 billion
Norwegian renewables company Scatec is developing a series of projects in Egypt under the country’s flagship climate action program, including two gigawatt-scale solar-plus-storage sites.
EU gives 10 GW solar, wind project priority status
The Medlink Renewable Generation project, a collaboration between Italy, Algeria and Tunisia, will deploy 10 GW of renewables in the two north African countries for both local use and export.
Chinese manufacturer plans solar glass factory in Algeria
China’s Kibing Group is looking to develop a solar glass manufacturing facility in Algeria with an annual production capacity of 1.53 million tonnes.
