Energy and Mines Minister Youcef Yousfi announced last week that Algeria has adopted new goals that six percent of energy will come from renewable sources by 2015 and 40 percent by 2020. Fossil fuels currently account for 96 percent of export revenue, and Yousfi said that the launch of 60 renewable energy projects capable of producing 3,000 megawatts would "prepare the country for the post-petrol era." The country recently joined the Desertec Industrial Initiative, a Sahara group that aims to use wind and solar power to provide 15 percent of Europe's power by 2050. Algeria's first wind farm is expected to open in 2012 and will cover 30 hectares in southwest Algeria. For the full story, see http://www.scidev.net/en/news/algeria-plans-rapid-green-energy-ramp-up.html.