Pipes, power, policy: Algeria's strategic choices for gas, electricity, and hydrogen in the energy transition

This work investigates the cost-optimal design of Algeria's electricity and hydrogen transport infrastructure in 2050. Using the open-source PyPSA-Earth framework, a spatially and temporally resolved sector-coupled energy system model is employed to analyse the repurposing of existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen use. The extent and spatial distribution of hydrogen transport, electricity transmission and renewable energy capacities are analysed under varying repurposing costs, domestic electricity demand, and hydrogen export volumes. Across the investigated scenarios, hydrogen transport exhibits a recurring south–north orientation, although its capacity varies considerably with export volumes and repurposing costs. Favourable repurposing costs enable renewable generation and electrolysis to shift towards southern regions, whereas higher pipeline costs concentrate renewable capacity in key north-central and north-eastern regions and increase reliance on electricity transmission. The results demonstrate the interdependence of renewable deployment, domestic demand, and hydrogen exports and reveal trade-offs between export-oriented infrastructure and evolving domestic needs.