Algeria added 268MW of new solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in 2015, according to the country’s renewable energy research institute (CDER), CleanTechnica reports. SKTM, a subsidiary of state-owned utility Societe Nationale de l’Electricite et du Gaz (Sonelgaz), led the effort to boost solar capacity in the southern and highlands regions.

The expansion is a part of Algeria’s national energy target for 2030 – to reach 22GW of renewable energy capacity by that year, as well as a 9% reduction in usage due to greater efficiency. The country hopes to see around 13.5GW of solar energy by 2030. More renewables projects are currently underway with more announcements expected in 2016.