Algerian Energy Strategy to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In Algeria, as in other countries, the issue of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change is the subject of great concern. As Climate change is a global problem and taking into consideration the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" as mentioned in the Rio Declaration in 1992, Algeria has initiated a broad program of voluntary reduction of GHG emissions and climate change adaptation. Thus although the contribution of Algeria on global warming is minimal (less than 0.5% of global GHG emissions), the country is, because its geographical position and climatic characteristics, very vulnerable and should integrate mitigation and adaptation into its development policy. The study examines to what extent, Algeria can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We present an analysis of the current situation, trends in CO2 emissions, national climate plan and especially what will be the impact on GHG emissions of the new strategy for promoting renewable energy and expects to produce 40% of electricity needs from solar energy. The results show that in 2012 the GHG emissions totaled 153 MT CO2 eq and growing at a rate of over 3%. The Introduction of solar energy in electricity production and implementation of energy efficiency allow to reduce by 2030 more than 300 MT CO2 eq. Avenues of consideration relating to a combination of policies and improved technologies that are able to reduce CO2 emissions and mitigate the impacts caused by climate change in the medium term will also be presented. Keywords: GHG, CO2 mitigation, renewable energy, climate change;