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In pursuit of energy transition objectives, Algeria is increasingly focusing on the production and utilization of low-carbon and renewable hydrogen. While hydrogen has predominantly been used in the chemical and refining industries, it holds promise for decarbonizing specific industrial sectors, enabling electricity storage, and powering the transport sector. However, several barriers must be overcome before hydrogen technologies can be widely deployed. Numerous countries, with Japan at the forefront, are heavily investing in this burgeoning market, anticipating the creation of thousands of new jobs. Hydrogen offers Algeria significant potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and substantial economic benefits. In response, the Algerian government has prioritized energy transition to new and renewable sources as part of its economic recovery plan, aiming for "green" growth through innovative and digital energy technologies. This paper's primary objective is to provide a techno-economic foundation for guiding public policy development, identifying promising opportunities for green hydrogen within Algeria's energy transition context, and outlining sustainable pathways for pilot projects that promote hydrogen adoption within the Algerian society. Additionally, this paper will explore the latest advancements in hydrogen research, technology, and applications relevant to the Algeria's energy transition. The Algerian energy minister, has reaffirmed his desire to "invest in hydrogen", an energy source presented as one of the solutions to the climate crisis. In October 2021, Algeria launched a hydrogen plan worth several billion dinars, including 100 million for research, to enable the country to develop "green" hydrogen, i.e. produced without fossil fuels. • Algeria's energy transition mission focuses on promoting energy transition, innovation, and efficiency. • The Algerian Strategy on Green Hydrogen 2050 intends to establish a supportive framework for hydrogen sector development. • Algeria has set ambitious targets: reducing its GHG emissions by 2030 and lowering its consumption of petroleum products. • Algeria export between 30 and 40 TWh by 2040 of gaseous green hydrogen, liquefied, and derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, wind resource availability was determined by analyzing the meteorological wind energy potential at the hub height of wind turbines. The wind resource potential was identified in specific geographic locations. Technical factors, such as siting requirements and resource availability, were taken into account in the investigation. The economic potential was calculated for each area of Algeria, considering overall losses. Subsequently, the potential for reducing fossil fuel usage was determined through wind to hydrogen estimation. The main components utilized in this work were a Vestas-90 wind turbine (V90–2.0 MW) and an alkaline electrolyzer. The analysis employed a Geographical Information System (GIS) tool. The results demonstrate Algeria's significant potential for wind to hydrogen production, estimated at 1.093 Gt/year without constraints, and reduced to 1.066 Gt/year when considering constraints. The levelized cost of wind to hydrogen production in Algeria varies between 1.51 and 15.37 US $/kg, depending on the chosen wind turbine. The wind to hydrogen production potential identified has the capacity to replace the entire current fossil fuel consumption in the transportation sector, which amounts to 5.28 Mt H 2 /year. The utilization of wind to hydrogen in the transport sector results in a significant reduction of CO 2 emissions, with a calculated avoidance of 45.69 Mt compared to the use of gasoline and diesel. Hydrogen produced from wind energy resources also could be used to support other sectors, including residential, agricultural, and industry in Algeria. • GIS-Based approach is used to evaluate the potential for wind to hydrogen production in Algeria. • The total wind to hydrogen potential in Algeria, when considering constraints, is estimated at 1.066 Gt/year, covering an area of 730,719 km2. • The levelized cost of wind to hydrogen production in Algeria ranges between 1.51 and 15.37 US $/kg, depending on the selected wind turbine (V90–2.0 MW). • The CO 2 emissions avoided in the transport sector are 45.69 Mt compared if the same amount of gasoline and diesel used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]