Algeria has made “significant progress” in implementing its national strategy for hydrogen development, which it considers a key component of its energy transition, said Algerian State Minister, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines Mohamed Arkab on Monday in Riyadh, according to a ministry statement.
Arkab made the remarks while participating in a high-level session titled “Unlocking the Potential of Clean Hydrogen through Investment and Innovation” on the sidelines of the 21st General Conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). He praised the session, organized by UNIDO and the Global Environment Facility, and Algeria’s selection as a partner country in this ambitious initiative to develop clean hydrogen as one of the most important future energy solutions.
The minister explained that Algeria has adopted a clear strategic choice to make clean hydrogen a central element of its energy transition, noting that developing this industrial chain represents a “fundamental pillar” for achieving sustainable, diversified, and low-emission industrial growth. He recalled that Algeria approved its national hydrogen strategy in 2023, accompanied by a practical roadmap with phased steps including regulatory framework development, launch of pilot projects, gradual scaling of production, and the creation of a full-fledged domestic industry along the entire value chain, supporting national export capabilities.
Arkab highlighted Algeria’s “exceptional” competitive advantage due to its vast solar resources, which give the country a natural capacity to produce renewable hydrogen at a highly competitive and large scale. The country has made significant progress by completing the regulatory framework, launching pilot projects in collaboration with several countries, and integrating hydrogen-related disciplines into higher education and research programs. He noted that Algeria’s 2026 finance law includes major incentives, such as exemptions from customs duties and taxes on electrolyzers and solar panels, to support investment in this vital sector.
The minister also mentioned the launch of a high-level dialogue bringing together stakeholders of the “South H2 Corridor” project, aimed at transporting green hydrogen from Algeria to Europe. This project enjoys direct support from the European Union, with technical assistance from UNIDO, which acts as the project’s technical secretariat.
Furthermore, Algeria benefits from a national project under the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme funded by the Global Environment Facility and supervised by UNIDO. The project aims to support the preparation of regulatory and standard frameworks, develop measurement and certification systems, enhance technical and human capacities, and prepare industrial infrastructure for domestic hydrogen production and applications.
“This project will help build strong foundations for a national hydrogen economy, support the diversification of Algeria’s industry, and create new value chains in areas such as fertilizers, clean mobility, and green ammonia, while enhancing Algeria’s attractiveness for foreign investment,” the statement said. It will also strengthen national capabilities at government, industrial, and research institutions through technology transfer, innovation, and skills development.
On the international level, Arkab noted that Algeria will gain access to international expertise and standardized norms, engage in knowledge-sharing platforms and joint training, and enhance South-South cooperation by exchanging successful experiences and innovative solutions.
In conclusion, Arkab reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to work jointly with partner countries and international institutions to accelerate the global energy transition and promote clean hydrogen as a key pillar for sustainable and resilient industrial development.
The session was attended by Algeria’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to UNIDO, Larbi Latroch; Algeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Cherif Oualid; the head of the Algerian Agency for Mining Activities, Mourad Hanifi; high-level officials including Germany’s Parliamentary State Secretary for Economic Cooperation and Development, Johann Saathoff; and representatives from several countries and international organizations.
