In the sun-scorched landscapes of Algeria, a battle is brewing between the old guard of fossil fuels and the rising tide of renewable energy. At the heart of this struggle is a stark reality: the country’s ambitious renewable energy goals are far from being met. But a new study, published in the Health Economics and Management Review, offers a roadmap for change, with profound implications for public health and the energy sector.
Lead author Amina Badreddine, an Assistant Professor at the University of M’Hamed Bougara in Boumerdes, Algeria, argues that the discrepancy between Algeria’s renewable energy goals and their implementation is not just a matter of policy, but of life and death. “The transition to renewable energy is not just an environmental issue,” Badreddine states. “It’s a public health imperative.”
The study estimates that a global shift away from fossil fuels could prevent 53,000 deaths annually in the United States alone, translating to over $600 billion in health benefits. In Algeria, the health impacts of air pollution are similarly dire, with particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides choking the air and the economy.
Badreddine’s research identifies several structural obstacles hindering Algeria’s energy transition. Chief among them is the entrenched power of the fossil fuel industry, bolstered by significant financial support and monopolistic control. “The dominance of oil and gas companies and the lack of a coherent plan are major hurdles,” Badreddine explains. “But with targeted reforms, Algeria can unlock its enormous solar and wind potential.”
The study proposes a multi-pronged strategy to overcome these challenges. Key recommendations include the gradual removal of fuel subsidies, liberalization of energy markets, expansion of training initiatives, and exploration of new financial mechanisms. Badreddine emphasizes the need for unwavering political will to drive these changes. “It’s crucial to have a long-term approach to development and diversification that meets the goals of the global climate agenda,” she asserts.
For the energy sector, these recommendations signal a significant shift. The liberalization of energy markets could open up new opportunities for investment, while the expansion of training initiatives could create a skilled workforce ready to drive the renewable energy revolution. The gradual removal of fuel subsidies, though politically sensitive, could level the playing field for renewable energy sources, making them more competitive.
The study also highlights the potential for Algeria to become a leader in concentrated solar power and photovoltaic power, leveraging its abundant solar resources. This could not only meet domestic energy demands but also position Algeria as an exporter of clean energy, with significant commercial implications.
As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and public health crises, Algeria’s energy transition offers a compelling case study. The findings of Badreddine’s research, published in the Health Economics and Management Review, could shape future developments in the field, providing a blueprint for other countries navigating similar transitions. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the potential benefits—from improved public health to economic growth—make the journey worthwhile. The question now is, will Algeria seize this opportunity? The answer could redefine the country’s energy landscape and set a precedent for the rest of the world.
