GE signs energy deal with Algeria

ALGIERS, Algeria, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Algeria's state-owned power company Sonelgaz signed a deal with U.S.-based GE Energy.

According to the $1 billion deal, GE will provide 18 years of service for the three turbines at the Koudiet Eddraouch power plant at the city of El Taref, six years of service for 48 turbines at other plants and upgrades at all of those plants as well.

The plants GE will maintain are part of Algeria's plan to increase its power as its economy and demand increase.

According to the Ministry of Energy and Mining, the country's installed generating capacity in 2006 was 7,077 megawatts and its demand is increasing by 7 percent per year and is expected to reach 14,000 megawatts by 2010.