Introduction
Pursuant to the provisions of Article 13 of Law No. 15-21 of 18 Rabie el-aouel 1437 corresponding to December 30, 2015, as amended, laying down the law on scientific research and technological development, Decree No. 21-89 of 17 Rajab 1442 corresponding to March 1, 2021 is intended to establish the multi-year development plan for the implementation of the three (03) priority national scientific research and technological development programs, which are set as follows:
- The national food safety research program ;
- The National Citizen Health Research Program ;
- The national energy security research program.
The following document is dedicated to the national energy security research program. Its objectives, content and expected impact are presented.
- Objectives of the national energy security research program :
With regard to the "Energy security" research program, the aim is to develop and promote renewable energies as part of the country's energy security, which is one of the main objectives of the government's national strategy to increase the share of renewable energies to around 27% of national electricity production by 2030. To achieve this goal, the government adopted an ambitious renewable energy and energy efficiency development program in 2011.
This program, revised in 2015, focuses on: a) an incentive-based legislative and regulatory framework for the production and marketing of renewable energies, b) the integration of national capacities, which are already considerable, and c) the establishment of a genuine economic activity focused on renewable energies.
In March 2020, the government adopted a renewable energy development program with a capacity of 16,000 MW by 2035, including 15,000 MW connected to the national grid and 1,000 MW off-grid (self-consumption).
In terms of hydrocarbons, production, conservation, distribution, rational use and diversification of energy sources, exploration of the ground, subsoil, seas and atmosphere and assessment of their resources are the main objectives to be pursued for the development of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons. This is in line with the Algerian government's vision of a strategy focused on the development of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons. This strategy aims to intensify the exploration effort with a view to discovering new oil and gas deposits. It also aims to :
- increase oil production through enhanced oil recovery
hydrocarbons ;
- recover hydrocarbons through treatment processes (refining)
and processing (petrochemicals) ;
- analyze the environmental impacts associated with the development of
the hydrocarbon industry;
- processing and recycling waste ;
- study the problems associated with exploiting and transporting hydrocarbons;
- develop innovative drilling materials.
- Content of the Research Program :
The national research program for renewable energies and energy efficiency will focus on the evaluation and exploitation of renewable energy resources, as well as the mastery and technological development of energy conversion systems. As for the 'hydrocarbons' component, research will focus on assessing the potential of the national hydrocarbon mining domain, and developing and applying new technologies for the exploration, development, production and marketing of hydrocarbons and their derivatives.
The content of this program responds to the main concerns expressed by socio-economic players during workshops led by the "Raw Materials and Energy" Intersectoral Commission, in which representatives of ministerial departments took part as members of the commission, as well as players in the energy, industry, agriculture, national defense, economy, trade, higher education, environment, housing, regional planning, sustainable development, etc. sectors.
The contents of this program encompass areas classified by order of priority and divided into research axes. As for the research themes, they represent the various research issues expressing the country's different needs in the fields of renewable energies, energy efficiency and hydrocarbons. These themes are duly formulated and articulated on a cross-sectoral and multidisciplinary basis. This is the basis on which researchers and socio-economic players will design their research projects. Given the large number of research themes, it has not been possible to include them in the present plan. These will be presented through calls for project proposals, which will be structured around the areas and axes already included, and will also anticipate new research issues that may arise.
The research areas and focuses have been divided into two sections: one on renewable energies and energy efficiency, and the other on hydrocarbons.
Renewable energies
and energy efficiency
Efficiency" component
AREA 1: NETWORK INTEGRATION
The large-scale integration of renewable energy (RE) power plants poses new constraints on electricity distribution networks, unlike conventional power plants, whose behavior is well mastered. These constraints are mainly linked to the intermittent, random and unpredictable nature of renewable energy sources. The research topics to be developed will therefore focus on studies of the impact and analysis of renewable energy plants on the grid, the development of tools for managing and planning their production, and the requirements for connecting renewable energy plants to the grid.
Focus 1: Impact and analysis
Modeling and sizing of renewable energy installations,
Theme 1: Connection and impact studies for renewable energy plants (impact on the isolated or interconnected grid),
Theme 2: Managing the production of grid-connected renewable energies.
Area 2: Development of calculation and analysis tools (Smart grids, ...
Topic 1: Calculation and modeling tools for power plant sizing,
Topic 2: Tools for calculating the integration of power plants into the grid,
Theme 3: Real-time production forecasting tools for renewable energy plants, Theme 4: Tools for managing renewable energy plants in dispatching systems,
Theme 5: Planning tools for renewable energy production.
Axis 3: Requirements for connecting renewable energy plants to the transmission and distribution network
Topic 1: Requirements for local networks
Theme 2: Requirements applicable to the interconnected network
AREA 2: RENEWABLE ENERGIES
RENEWABLE ENERGIES
Axis 1: assessment of solar, wind and geothermal energy potential, biomass, small hydro and other renewable sources.
Research activities will focus on characterizing sites potentially suitable for renewable energy conversion systems and drawing up energy maps.
Research topics include measurement instrumentation, data processing methods, resource modeling and prediction, site qualification and the impact of climate change on existing energy deposits.
Theme 1: Instrumentation and Radiometric Measurements,
Theme 2: Assessing potential (solar, onshore and offshore wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, other renewable sources),
Theme 3: Mapping deposits (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydraulic, other sources) using ground data and satellite imagery, Theme 4: Modeling and prediction of renewable energy resources (solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, other sources),
Theme 5: Qualification of high-potential sites eligible for the installation of renewable energy plants,
Theme 6: Satellite imagery,
Theme 7 Impact of rising temperatures on solar deposits, Theme 8: Choosing and studying the behavior of various technologies in different environments.
AREA 3: SOLAR ENERGY
PHOTOVOLTAIC
The research planned for this area covers the photovoltaic solar energy conversion chain, from small to high power, as well as the various applications of photovoltaic solar energy. Research topics include photovoltaic cells, modules and generators, grid-connected solar power plants, small-scale systems for isolated sites, converters and control devices, and photovoltaic applications.
Focus 1: Integrating photovoltaic power plants into the grid
Theme 1: Study and analyze the performance of grid-connected photovoltaic systems,
Theme 2: Impact of integrating photovoltaics into grids,
Topic 3: Monitoring and surveillance of grid-connected photovoltaic systems,
Theme 4: Integration of photovoltaic microgrids into electricity grids.
Area 2: Photovoltaic systems and applications
Topic 1: Photovoltaic pumping,
Theme 2: Solar photovoltaic cooling and air-conditioning,
Theme 3: Cathodic protection,
Topic 4: Powering telecommunication relays,
Theme 5: Stand-alone photovoltaic systems,
Topic 6: Monitoring, follow-up and maintenance of photovoltaic systems,
Theme 7: Energy supply for solar aeration systems (turbines powered by PV panels),
Theme 8: Street lighting,
Theme 9: Plant safety.
Area 3: Photovoltaic cells, modules and generators
Theme 1: Technological processes for manufacturing solar cells and modules,
Theme 2: Characterization of the photovoltaic cell/module and generator, Theme 3: Adapting photovoltaic technology to desert conditions.
Area 4: System conversion, management and control
photovoltaic
Topic 1: Static converters for stand-alone PV systems
Topic 2: Inverters for grid-connected PV systems
Topic 3: Regulation and control devices for storage systems.
AREA 4: WIND POWER
The aim of this area is to master wind energy conversion systems by studying and designing the systems and components that make up an installation, as well as analyzing the behavior of wind turbines and their impact on the environment. Research topics will include wind turbine aerodynamics in the broadest sense, wind farms and their integration into the distribution grid, control and command, and low-power applications.
Axis 1: Wind farms
Theme 1: Wind farm development,
Theme 2: Impact of wind turbines on the environment,
Theme 3: Wind farm control (aerodynamic aspects),
Theme 4: Basket anemometry,
Theme 5: Optimizing the integration of wind farms into the electricity grid,
Theme 6: Impact of wind turbines on the electricity grid.
Area 2: Application of small wind turbines
Topic 1: Pumping water,
Theme 2: Powering remote sites,
Theme 3: Home food,
Theme 4: Powering telecommunications relays,
Topic 5: Other applications.
Axis 3: Control of wind energy systems
Topic 1: Controlling high-power wind turbines,
Topic 2: Controls for small wind turbines,
Topic 3: Static power converters,
Topic 4: Fault diagnosis and location in wind energy systems.
Axis 4: Wind turbines
Topic 1: Wind turbine aerodynamics,
Theme 2: Aeroacoustics of wind turbines, flow control, fluid-structure interaction,
Theme 3: Wind turbine wakes,
Theme 4: Design and manufacture of wind turbines,
Theme 5: Adapting wind turbines to local conditions (effect of temperature, effect of sand, etc. ).
AREA 5: ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN
BUILDING
The energy efficiency program adopted by the government focuses on improving the thermal insulation of buildings, developing solar water heaters, extending the use of low-energy lamps, promoting energy efficiency in the industrial sector and introducing solar air-conditioning techniques. Research themes are developed around these concerns.
Focus 1: Integrating energy systems in buildings
Theme 1: Optimizing the performance of building-integrated PV and thermal systems,
Theme 2: Study the electrical and thermal phenomena generated by the integration of solar panels into buildings,
Theme 3: Positive energy buildings,
Theme 4: Choice of PV technology,
Theme 5: Digital tools for architectural design.
Area 2: Traditional and modern concepts, techniques and practices
modern
Theme 1: Optimizing energy consumption, comfort and energy resources,
Topic 2: Integration of active solar systems for home heating and cooling,
Theme 3: Digital monitoring and support tools for architectural design,
Theme 4: Passive and active control strategies for multi-zone constructions,
Theme 5: Passive and active solar housing,
Theme 6: Intelligent urban planning and smart cities.
AREA 6: HYBRID SYSTEMS
Axis 1 (Single axis): STUDY OF HYBRID SYSTEMS
As the cost of extending the electricity grid is prohibitive, diesel generators are the main source of electrical power in isolated regions and in the south of the country. However, most of the diesel micro-power stations in operation are operated under very difficult conditions, resulting in high fuel consumption, maintenance costs and exorbitant fuel transport costs. In such cases, multi-source systems and the hybridization of diesel generators with renewable energy systems can provide a complement or an alternative to existing diesel generators.
Research topics to be developed include studies of different types of hybrid systems, hybridization of existing power plants in the south, grid connection, and energy control and management.
Theme 1: Study the different types of hybrid systems,
Theme 2: Hybridization of conventional power plants in isolated networks,
Theme 3: Grid-connected hybrid systems,
Theme 4: Energy control and management in hybrid systems,
Theme 5: Development of sizing and optimization software for hybrid systems,
Topic 6: Other applications of hybrid systems.
AREA 7: SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY
This field of research concerns the mastery of technologies for converting solar radiation into heat energy, through the study and design of systems and components making up an installation. The installations considered are both high-power solar thermodynamic power plants and low-temperature solar applications. Research topics to be developed include concentrated solar power plants, solar air conditioning and refrigeration, solar drying and other applications.
Focus 1: Concentrating solar power plants
Theme 1: Engineering for design and production :
- Thermal receivers, mirrors and solar reflectors,
- Engineering for the design and production of components for concentrated solar power plants,
Topic 2: Concentrating solar power plants :
- Heat transfer, thermal and thermochemical energy storage,
- Production of solar heat and cooling for industrial processes, - Production of electricity.
Area 2: Solar thermal air conditioning and refrigeration
Topic 1: Solar refrigeration
Topic 2: Refrigerated transport
Area 3: Low-temperature systems and thermal applications
Theme 1: Engineering for design and production :
- Photovoltaic/thermal hybrid solar collectors,
- Solar dryers for food and medicinal products, ...
AREA 8: COGENERATION
Cogeneration in this context concerns the valorization of heat produced by electricity generation plants. Research and development topics include the study, design, application and control of cogeneration plant operating processes.
Focus 1: Cogeneration applications
Topic 1: Water heating, Space heating, ...
Theme 2: Water treatment and desalination,
Theme 3: Electricity generation,
Theme 4: Other applications.
Area 2: Cogeneration
Topic 1: Boiler and steam turbine installations, Theme 2: Internal combustion engine plants.
Area 3: Micro-cogeneration
Topic 1: Combustion engines (internal or external), Theme 2: Micro-cogeneration plants.
AREA 9: OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
of renewable energy plants
Implementing the national renewable energy program requires monitoring the performance of renewable energy plants, as well as developing the techniques and tools needed for plant diagnostics, control and intelligent management, and maintenance. Research topics will focus on monitoring plant operation, intelligent management and control strategies and systems, and innovative maintenance and servicing systems.
Focus 1. Operating renewable energy plants
Theme 1: Real-time monitoring of RE plant operation,
Theme 2: Strategies and systems for control and intelligent energy management in renewable energy systems,
Theme 3: Reliability of renewable energy systems,
Theme 4: Operating wind or solar farms and degrading their performance,
Theme 5: Safety of renewable energy farms.
Focus 2. Maintenance of renewable energy plants
Topic 1: Fault diagnosis and location in renewable energy plants,
Theme 2: Maintenance (maintenance frequency of PV panels, etc.),
Theme 3: Innovative maintenance systems for renewable energy plants,
AREA 10: ENERGY STORAGE
Axis 1 (Single axis): different types of energy storage
As renewable energies are intermittent, storage systems are needed to store the surplus energy generated when demand is low, and to meet demand when the system is not productive (in the absence of sun or wind). Various storage systems are used, including inertial systems, hydrogen systems, electromagnetic systems and electrochemical batteries. But with the increasing penetration of renewable energies in the electricity grid, a great deal of work is being devoted to developing new storage systems, which vary according to the size of the power plant.
Among the questions asked: what are the most promising technologies and what would be the most economical system?
In this context, the research themes developed for this area of research focus on large- and small-scale electrical storage, thermal storage and multi-storage.
Theme 1: Electrochemical storage (cells, batteries, hydrogen carrier, etc.), Theme 2: Electromagnetic storage (superconducting coils, supercapacitors),
Theme 3: Mechanical storage (compressed air energy storage, flywheels, etc.),
Theme 4: Thermal storage (latent or sensible heat),
Theme 5: Multi-storage.
AREA 11: GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
The research and development targeted here concerns the exploitation of geothermal energy for heating agricultural greenhouses, for drying and for space heating, as well as the management of geothermal sources and the impact of their exploitation on the environment. The research themes to be developed will therefore focus on studies of exploitation concepts and techniques, hydrothermalism and environmental aspects linked to the over-exploitation of sources.
Focus 1: Environmental management and impacts
Theme 1: Hydrothermalism and geothermal resource management,
Theme 2: Overexploitation of geothermal sources and impact on the environment.
Area 2: Geothermal concepts, techniques and applications
Theme 1: Heating greenhouses, drying, etc.
Theme 2: Space heating and air conditioning,
Topic 3: Geothermal power plants (feasibility studies, sizing, etc.).
AREA 12: BIOENERGY
Bioenergy is produced from biomass and certain types of waste, in the form of clean fuels or in the form of heat or electricity from gasification, pyrolysis or biomass combustion. Research topics to be developed include bioenergy production technologies, choice of raw materials, various waste treatment and recovery techniques, and safety aspects.
Focus 1: Bioenergy: raw materials, evaluation and operation
Theme 1: Bioenergy production technologies,
Theme 2: Analysis of the sustainability of the sector (raw materials, processes, etc.), Theme 3: Choice of raw materials in line with the local environment.
Area 2: Waste treatment and energy recovery
Topic 1: Biogas production,
Theme 2: Biogas valorization,
- Heat,
- Electricity,
- Fuel,
Theme 3: Biogas purification,
Theme 4: Process safety,
Theme 5: Environmental impact,
Theme 6: Recovery of by-products from biogas production,
Theme 7: Use of renewable energies in bioenergy processes (extraction, distillation, etc.).
AREA 13: HYDROGEN AND FUEL CELLS
FUEL CELLS
As an energy carrier, hydrogen offers many advantages. Its energy density is higher than that of hydrocarbons, its use produces few or no pollutants, and it can be converted into different forms of useful energy (combustion, steam, heat, electricity through electrochemical conversion, etc.). Research and development in this field is aimed at mastering and promoting hydrogen technologies and energy conversion systems. Research topics include hydrogen production processes, storage technologies, fuel cell technology, stationary and mobile applications, and safety aspects.
Focus 1: Hydrogen
Theme 1: Renewable production processes,
Topic 2: Alternative production processes,
Theme 3: Hydrogen / conventional fuel blending,
Theme 4: Stationary hydrogen applications,
Theme 5: Mobile hydrogen applications,
Theme 6: Storage techniques and technologies,
Theme 7: Safety and regulation in the hydrogen economy,
Theme 8: Codes and standards in the hydrogen economy.
Area 2: Fuel cells
Theme 1: Fuel cell modeling and simulation,
Theme 2: Fuel cell technologies,
Theme 3: Fuel cells and mobile applications,
Theme 4: Fuel cells and stationary applications,
Topic 5: Fuel cells: safety, codes and standards.
AREA 14: MATERIALS
Algeria's renewable energy development program also calls for the industrialization of certain elements or components of renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbine blades. The research and development targeted here concerns the materials used in their manufacture. Research topics include solar photovoltaic materials and their recycling, solar thermal materials, insulating materials, materials for fuel cells and materials for thermal, electrochemical and hydrogen storage.
Focus 1: Storage materials
Theme 1: Materials for hydrogen storage,
Topic 2: Thermal storage materials :
- Phase-change materials (MCP coatings, etc.).
Theme 3: Electrochemical storage
- Recycling electrochemical batteries,
- Electrochemical storage materials.
Area 2: PV materials
Theme 1: Photovoltaic materials (crystallogenics, crystalline and thin-film processing of conventional and new materials, etc.),
Topic 2: Raw materials for PV cell production (silicon, etc.),
Theme 3: Recycling solar materials.
Area 3: Wind energy materials
Topic 1: Materials for blade manufacture,
Topic 2: Magnetic materials.
Area 4: Thermal materials
Theme 1: Innovative materials for solar collectors with fluid and air circulation,
Theme 2: Innovative, intelligent materials (masonry, insulation) and traditional know-how.
Area 5: Hydrogen materials and fuel cells
Topic 1: Materials for fuel cells.
Hydrocarbons" section
AREA 15: CONVENTIONAL AND
CONVENTIONAL AND NON
CONVENTIONAL
Area1: Geosciences
The multi-disciplinary nature of geoscience gives access to all earth science professions, i.e. fundamental research, hydrocarbon exploration, geotechnical projects related to structural geology and geophysical projects related to seismics. The geosciences are a field of research that will result in a large number of projects involving both exploration and exploitation, as well as modeling.
Theme 1: Exploration, logistics and environmental impact ;
Theme 2: Reservoir characterization and modeling ;
Theme 3: Hydrology and hydrogeology ;
Theme 4: Definition of the petroleum systems of northern Algeria;
Theme 5: Offshore exploration and exploitation.
Area 2: Improving hydrocarbon recovery
The ratio between the volume of oil recovered and the total volume contained in a deposit gives the recovery rate. Recovery rates vary from one deposit to another. Developing research projects aimed at increasing the recovery rate would therefore be a way of increasing production more rapidly.
Theme 1: Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR);
Theme2: Production mechanisms in conventional and unconventional reservoirs;
Theme 3: Characterization of complex reservoirs, the case of Hassi Messaoud ;
Theme4: Management of conventional and unconventional reservoirs ;
Topic 5: Reservoir evaluation methods (conventional and unconventional);
Topic 6: Flow insurance, reservoir damage and stimulation ;
Theme 7: Monitoring stimulation operations using microseismic methods;
Theme 8: Simulation and modelling of multiphase flows;
Theme 9: Development of measurement techniques in multiphase flows.
3: Corrosion and Protection
In petroleum installations, corrosion is a harmful phenomenon for equipment (transport network, storage tanks, pumps, pipes, separators). Poor protection of such equipment against this phenomenon generally results in a significant reduction in performance, hence the need to launch research projects that will identify the main actions to be taken to mitigate the effects of corrosion, but will also propose innovative solutions in this field.
Theme 1: Treatment and monitoring of corrosion in pipes and collection networks;
Topic 2: Corrosion of process equipment ;
Topic 3: Corrosion under thermal insulation ;
Theme 4: Training mechanisms and actions to prevent or mitigate the effects of black powder on oil and gas installations and products;
Topic 5: Mercury corrosion ;
Topic 6: Corrosion inhibitors ;
Topic 7: Corrosion protection ;
Topic 8: Bio-corrosion and biocide ;
Topic 9: Plant inspection and monitoring.
Area 4: Refining, Petrochemicals and Catalysis
Petroleum refining refers to all treatments and transformations aimed at extracting the maximum number of products with high commercial value from oil . By its very nature, the refining industry is subject to changes in the supply and demand for petroleum products.
Petrochemistry deals with the use of basic chemical compounds derived from petroleum to manufacture other synthetic compounds. These are generally based on appropriate chemical reactions , with or without the presence of a catalyst.
Theme 1: Development of new fuel additives;
Theme 2: Development of new fuels and lubricants;
Topic 3: Adding value to petroleum feedstocks ;
Theme 4: Operation and monitoring of catalysts in petrochemical and refining plants;
Topic 5: Operation and monitoring of adsorbents in treatment units.
Area 5: Environment
Environmental protection involves taking measures to limit or eliminate the negative impact of hydrocarbon-related activities on theenvironment.
This strategy aims to apply the precautionary principle, use best environmental practices and, where appropriate, restore sites in the event of damage. Projects in this area will recommend solutions to protect the environment and limit the environmental impact of the hydrocarbon industry.
Theme 1: Analysis of the environmental impacts associated with hydrocarbon development ;
Theme 2: Waste treatment and recovery ;
Theme 3: Decontamination of soils, waters and sediments polluted by hydrocarbons ;
Theme 4: Treatment and recovery of sludge from crude oil storage tanks (oil sludge);
Theme 5: Inventory of emissions from hydrocarbon activities.
Focus 6: Operational issues
Non-destructive testing has become an indispensable tool in product quality control. These techniques enable the detection of heterogeneities and anomalies in a part, without altering its future use.
Theme 1: Development of non-destructive testing techniques ;
Theme 2: Problems related to the exploitation and transportation of hydrocarbons
(Flow assurance).
Area 7: Modeling, Simulation and Optimization
In order to be able to characterize and identify the aspects linked to hydrocarbon processing, the proposal and application of scientific methods and instruments will enable us to model and solve operating problems and improve product quality.
Theme 1: Improving the characteristics of finished products ;
Theme 2: Modeling, simulation and optimization of downstream oil and gas processes;
Theme 3: Mastering the technological choice of processes ;
Topic 4: Development of tools for migrating data and programs contained in PLCs.
Axis 8: Development of innovative materials: (drilling, transport, installation and processes)
Ongoing research and development efforts in the upstream oil and gas sector, particularly in oilfield services, have enabled us to launch innovative products and systems that meet the expectations of oil operators in terms of compressive strength, temperature resistance and durability.
Theme 1: Durability of equipment: disks, gas turbine blades, drilling tools, etc.
Theme 2: High-performance drilling materials (high temperature and pressure) ;
Topic 3: Long-term behavior of composite belts used to repair pipelines under load.
- Expected impact :
The multi-year development plan for national research programs not only consolidates the government's vision in terms of economic development and growth, but also supports the ambition of researchers and economic operators to work together to harmonize their objectives in order to derive maximum benefit for Algerian society as a whole. This multi-year development plan responds positively, in a coherent and balanced way, to social priorities through a set of measures and elements linked to the principles of the law on scientific research and technological development.
For more information, download the attached documents:
