U.S. General Electric Co. (GE) signed a 2.2-billion-U.S.-dollar contract with Algerian energy giant Sonelgaz to build a complex for manufacturing gas turbines in the North African country, Sonelgaz said on Sunday.

Sonelgaz CEO Nourredine Bouterfa said that the complex will be set up through a joint venture between GE and Sonelgaz, noting that the Algerian partner will hold 51 percent of the venture in accordance to the 51/49 rule.

Algeria is set to build six new power plants with capacities of between 1,200 and 1,600 megawatts each by 2017. The complex is expected to make turbines with a total capacity of 8,400 megawatts for the six power plants.

The GE deal was part of Algeria's efforts to build its own power stations and the new plants would allow Algeria to end its frequent power cuts during periods of peak demand.

Bouterfa said that the electricity coverage across the country has climbed from 41 percent in 1970 to 99 percent in 2011. Endi

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