Algerian Energy Company(AEC) has issued the tender on behalf of Skikda Power Company (SPC), which is in the process of being set up. SPC will be a joint venture between AEC, state energy company Sonatrachand state power company Sonelgaz.

The Skikda project is part of an ambitious power generation programme by Algeria, requiring investment of $4,000 million-5,000 million by 2010. The country has embarked on a number of major power generation projects aimed at meeting rising domestic demand. Algiers is also looking to export power to southern Europe (Power & Water, MEED Special Report, 1:2:02, page 34).