Algeria Could Export Renewable Electricity to Europe via 2,000 MW Submarine Link to Italy

Algeria is poised to export renewable electricity to Europe through a 2,000 MW submarine cable connection with Italy. Led by the Italian company Zhero, the Algeria-Italia Link (AI-Link) project aims to generate solar and wind power in the Algerian desert and transmit it to Italy via a submarine cable approximately 900 kilometers long.

Public Consultation in Italy

From October 16 to 23, 2026, the project will undergo a public consultation in Italy. This phase allows local authorities and residents to review the proposed onshore facilities and submit their observations as part of the permitting process.

Project Scale and Potential Impact

According to estimates by the project developer:

• The initiative would require at least 5,000 MW of renewable generation capacity in Algeria.
• It could transport over 10 TWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the power needs of approximately four million households.

Note: These figures are preliminary. The infrastructure is not yet operational, and full funding mobilization has not been publicly confirmed.

Part of a Broader Regional Initiative

AI-Link is part of a larger initiative called Medlink Renewable Generation, which plans for nearly 10 GW of solar and wind capacity in Algeria and Tunisia, complemented by battery storage systems.

In July 2025, the European Commission added this program to its list of cross-border renewable energy projects. This designation opens the possibility of seeking European support, though it does not guarantee its approval.