Algeria Commits to Joint Efforts in Advancing Carbon Neutrality

Representing the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, the Director General of Foresight at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Miloud Medjelled, participated on Monday in the ministerial meeting on Alternative Fuels for Maritime and Air Transport – Sustainable Fuel 2025, and the Ministerial Meeting on Hydrogen Energy 2025, the Algerian ministry said in a statement.

These meetings were held in Osaka, Japan, from September 15 to 18, 2025, bringing together ministers, experts, and representatives from various countries and international organizations, as part of the lead-up to Expo 2025 – Osaka, Kansai.

In his speech at the Ministerial Meeting on Alternative Fuels for Maritime and Air Transport, Medjelled emphasized that, despite their importance in global trade and connecting people, the maritime and air transport sectors account for nearly 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions — making the transition to cleaner fuels an urgent necessity, the statement said.

He explained that Algeria has begun adopting alternative solutions such as e-methanol (E-methanol) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), highlighting the integration of Dual-Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) propulsion technology into the Algerian maritime fleet — a move that enables reduced energy consumption and emissions. He also noted ongoing preparations to establish clean fuel storage and refueling facilities in Arzew and Skikda, in support of enhancing the competitiveness of sustainable maritime transport, the statement added.

In the aviation sector, he announced the launch of a pilot project in collaboration with Air Algérie to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) locally, using refinery residues and used oils. This initiative aims to help meet international commitments and reduce aviation-related emissions.

In his remarks at the Ministerial Meeting on Hydrogen Energy, Medjelled highlighted the central role of hydrogen in Algeria’s national energy transition strategy. He explained that Algeria has made hydrogen a national priority through a comprehensive strategy based on six key pillars:

• Establishing an integrated legal, regulatory, and institutional framework.
• Building capacity and developing expertise through universities and institutes.
• Industrial integration to enable local production of equipment and mastery of engineering and services.
• Creating innovative financing mechanisms and attracting investment.
• Strengthening international cooperation, particularly through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) and the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF).
• Developing infrastructure for hydrogen transport, with a focus on the South2 Corridor project for exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Moreover, He pointed out that Algeria is working on pilot projects aimed at producing and exporting between 30 and 40 terawatt-hours of hydrogen and its derivatives by 2040, which would cover around 10% of Europe’s demand. This effort will further strengthen Algeria’s position as a regional hub for clean energy, the source said.

According to the statement, Medjelled concluded his remarks by reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to continue working with its partners to develop innovative and sustainable solutions in maritime and air transport, renewable energies, and hydrogen. He emphasized that these efforts will support the achievement of carbon neutrality targets while fostering economic and social development throughout Africa and the Mediterranean region.