Towards Sustainable Development and Low Carbon Economy

Abstract

Since its independence, Algeria has relied mainly on hydrocarbon exports to support its infrastructure development and carry out its major projects. Most power plants are natural gas-fired and run continuously, resulting in the emission of large amounts of toxic gases, in addition to carbon dioxide (CO2). Algeria is now considered among the highest CO2 emitting African countries and contributes negatively to the environmental security, essential to the survival of life on the planet Earth. Thus, the transition from fossil fuels towards sustainable and cleaner energy sources has become vital for the Algerian state. Algeria is planning to launch an ambitious program to develop its inexhaustible renewable energy resources to move into the era of so-called green energy, which is the unique solution to achieve sustainable development and protect the environment. This study aims to show how Algeria has tried through many serval legal mechanisms and national programs, especially those related to investment in the energy sector, to achieve sustainable development for the country while preserving the environment, particular from those dangers and risks caused by fossil energies.