Energy transition is a crucial challenge for Tunisia. By diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the country can enhance its energy security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create new jobs.
The direction is clear, and the ambition is set: Tunisia aims to green its energy mix by focusing on renewable sources. The goal is ambitious—reaching 30% renewable energy by 2030, equivalent to a production capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW). However, the reality on the ground is far from ideal.
Strengthening Mediterranean partnerships for a successful transition
The success of Tunisia’s energy transition depends on reinforcing Mediterranean partnerships in this field, stated the Secretary of State for Energy Transition in Sorrento, Italy.
Tunisia is ready to play its role in this domain and share its expertise to build a sustainable energy future while ensuring energy supply at both national and regional levels, he said during the International Forum “Towards the South” held on May 16-17 in the Italian city, according to the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mines.
The official outlined the key pillars of Tunisia’s 2035 Energy Strategy and the reforms undertaken by the ministry to diversify the energy mix. He emphasized the importance of deeper regional integration to address energy market instability and support industrial development.
Spotlight on the ELMED Project
The Secretary of State also held discussions highlighting the ELMED project, a future Tunisia-Italy electrical interconnection, set to become the first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Europe and Africa.
This project is backed by the European Union, described as Tunisia’s “strategic partner” in the energy sector.
On the sidelines of the forum, the official met with Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab, accompanied by the CEOs of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, to discuss the development of a tripartite electrical interconnection between Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya.
Additionally, he held talks with Nicola Monti, CEO of Italian energy group Edison, on cooperation in energy innovation.
Funding for Municipal Energy Efficiency Projects
The National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) has launched a second call for applications to finance municipal energy efficiency projects, with the deadline approaching soon. Selected municipalities will be eligible to request loans from the Local Authorities Support and Loan Fund (CPSL).
This initiative is part of the ACTE Program, led by ANME in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, CPSL, and the Training and Decentralization Support Center.
The call aims to encourage Tunisian municipalities to develop innovative green projects in three key areas: Energy efficiency, optimizing energy use in municipal buildings, vehicle fleets, and public lighting networks, renewable energy, primarily self-consumption projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and territorial studies, improving municipal energy performance, including urban mobility studies.
The ACTE Program continues to drive local energy transition, building on a first call in 2020 that selected 11 projects, now underway. These projects, worth 2.7 million dinars, received a grant exceeding 837,000 dinars from the Energy Transition Fund (FTE).
Eligible municipalities (under Decree No. 2014-3505 of September 30, 2014) can apply for this mechanism. While municipalities must provide self-financing, they can also secure CPSL loans.
FTE grants cover 20% to 70% of total project costs, with ceilings ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 dinars (…).
