[ecr] Following the handover ceremony at the ministry's headquarters, Arkab expressed his deep gratitude to the President of the Republic for the renewed trust placed in him by entrusting him with the portfolio of renewable energy, now attached to the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

He urged to continue implementing the national strategy defined by the President of the Republic, emphasizing that it "has materialized through major strategic projects initiated with a clear vision, aimed primarily at building a sustainable, prosperous, and accessible energy future for all Algerians."

The minister outlined the sector's priorities, which include the development of hydrocarbons and natural gas.

He said, in this regard, that "natural gas will remain a strategic resource supporting the energy transition" and that "Algeria will continue to enhance its natural gas production capacities."

Efforts will also focus on improving the use of natural gas and reducing greenhouse gas and methane emissions while "maintaining Algeria’s role as a key gas supplier on the international stage and attracting foreign investments in this sector," the minister said.

Another strategic priority is the development of new and renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen, he added. 

Additionally, the minister said that renewable energy remains a national priority.

The national program dedicated to this energy will be pursued, alongside the adoption of an energy efficiency and conservation program, added the minister. [/ecr]