Energy transition is a crucial challenge for Tunisia. By diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the country can improve its energy security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create new jobs.
The direction is clear and the ambition well defined: greening the national energy mix by relying on renewable sources, with a target of 30% renewable energy by 2030, equivalent to 4,800 megawatts (MW). However, the reality on the ground is far from ideal.
The key question is whether these ambitions will translate into tangible results. Tunisia has the potential to become a leader in renewable energy in North Africa, but achieving this will require overcoming obstacles and investing heavily in the sector.
Growing number of authorizations
More than 186 authorizations, totaling a capacity of 286 MW, have been granted under the fifth round dedicated to solar electricity production under the authorization regime, according to the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy.
These figures were presented during a meeting chaired by Secretary of State in charge of energy transition, Wael Chouchane, in the presence of a delegation from the CONECT (Confederation of Tunisian Citizen Enterprises), focused on monitoring investment in the renewable energy sector.
The meeting reviewed key concerns facing the sector and explored solutions to challenges hindering investment momentum in this strategic field.
Discussions also covered several programs implemented by the ministry and its institutions, including PROSOL Elec, dedicated to household self-generation of electricity and PROSOL Elec Economique, targeting middle-income households.
Participants also emphasized the key role of the authorization regime in attracting new investments, highlighting its complementarity with other electricity generation mechanisms from renewable sources, such as concessions and self-production, to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix.
On this occasion, Wael Chouchane praised the contribution of the private sector to state efforts in implementing energy transition and efficiency programs. He also underlined the strategic role of companies operating in the sector within the framework of the national renewable electricity production program.
In reality, Tunisia has so far produced only 700 MW of electricity from renewable sources, mainly solar energy, far below its stated ambitions, highlighting the challenges ahead.
The country is also facing a significant electricity deficit, which is hindering renewable energy investment.
In addition, the government continues to heavily subsidize the electricity sector, with subsidies reaching $2.6 billion in 2022.
This represents a major barrier to the energy transition, as such subsidies favor fossil fuels and slow the growth of renewable alternatives.
