MPEI and Algerian university strengthen cooperation in renewable energy

On October 27, 2025, MPEI hosted a meeting with Dr. Oussama Touaba, Head of the Renewable Energy Research Laboratory at Ahmed Draia University of Adrar, Algeria.

The purpose of the visit was to develop scientific and educational cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, electronic systems, and energy efficiency technologies.

The meeting was coordinated by Anastasia Mashkova, Director on Integration Policy Development at MPEI.

During discussions with Tatiana Shestopalova, Director of the Institute of Hydropower and Renewable Energy, and Konstantin Suslov, Professor at the Hydropower and Renewable Energy Department, the parties identified several promising areas for collaboration:

- participation of Algerian colleagues in internship programs, academic exchanges, and joint research projects;

- joint training of specialists in renewable energy and engineering innovation;

- participation in international educational and scientific events.

Particular attention was given to the Adrar Solar Field, one of Algeria’s largest photovoltaic installations with a capacity of around 20 MW, operated by SKTM (part of the Sonelgaz Group). The facility serves as a testing and monitoring site for solar panels under desert conditions with high solar radiation and extreme temperatures. As part of collaboration with MPEI, this facility could be used for studies on the reliability of energy equipment, energy storage efficiency, and the integration of solar systems into autonomous regional energy networks.

The Algerian colleagues also expressed their interest in joining the international conference “Renewable and Small Energy 2025 (R&SE-2025)”, to be held online on November 13-14, 2025. Organized by the Hydropower and Renewable Energy Department, the event will feature a special BRICS session on renewable energy and energy efficiency. The conference will bring together representatives from universities and research centers across BRICS and BRICS+ countries to share reports and projects on solar, wind, hydro, hydrogen, and bioenergy, as well as autonomous power systems and national sustainable development initiatives.

Reference
The partnership between MPEI and Ahmed Draia University of Adrar is developing within the framework of the Russian–African Network University Consortium (RAFU). In 2024, representatives from the University of Adrar took part in MPEI’s educational programs for the first time — an important milestone in expanding cooperation between Russian and African universities in the energy sector.