Algeria’s Compagnie de l’Engineering de l’Electricite du Gaz (Ceeg) has invited companies to prequalify for a major concentrated solar power (CSP) programme in Algeria.

The work will involve launching a programme to provide 300MW of solar power by 2015 and 2,000MW by 2021. Companies have until 17 June to submit prequalification entries for the project.

Ceeg is a subsidiary of local energy firm Algeria’s Engineering Company of Electricity and Gas (Sonelgaz). Ceeg is assisting the Energy & Mines Ministry with the programme.

The project is part of Algeria’s efforts to utilise renewable energy technology as it seeks to boost the country’s generation capacity to cope with the rapidly rising local consumption. The country suffered widespread blackouts in July 2012, when demand reached a record peak of 9,463MW. Peak demand is expected to reach up to 15,000MW by 2017.

Algeria is also looking at building photovoltaic (PV) solar projects. Ceeg recently invited contractors to submit bids for a scheme to build three PV plants.

The projects include a 13MW solar scheme at Tamanrasset, a 9MW scheme at Tindouf and a 3MW at Djanet. The submission date for bids for the three contracts is 1 July.