Algeria: GE bid approval delayed

US giant GE is still awaiting confirmation from Sonelgaz that it has been awarded the contract to supply 8,400MW of turbines for an emergency power generation construction programme. As well as being the largest single power procurement in Algeria’s history, the US company’s commitment to build a turbine manufacturing plant in the country will enable it to dominate the market in the future. However, a successful closing of the deal may have been hampered by politically-motivated allegations of corruption related to former generation projects. The uncertainty provoked by the recent hospitalisation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in France may further delay a resolution.