The renewable energy sector, particularly solar energy, is “promising” in Tunisia. However, the adoption of natural resources in energy production requires more decisive measures to overcome the obstacles it faces in order to boost large-scale investments in this sector.
The photovoltaic solar energy sector includes around 600 companies registered with the Energy Management Agency, of which about 170 have been implemented over the past 12 years, since the launch of the solar program, amounting to a concentration of 250 megawatts.
The sector generates a turnover of 100 million dinars per year and allows the State to generate additional revenues of 10 million dinars, while providing around 2,000 direct jobs.
It is within this framework that the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy announced, on Friday, the adoption by STEG of a series of measures aimed at simplifying the study and connection of photovoltaic solar stations.
This involves the appointment of a single point of contact in each district for station installers, to ensure rapid interaction in the processing of files from reception to the commissioning of the station, the ministry indicated in a press release.
The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) has adopted a clear process for handling requests concerning subscribers’ electricity consumption data, in order to increase transparency and facilitate the work of installers, by providing each regional directorate of STEG with an email address.
Among these measures is the acceleration of the granting of technical and administrative approval within a period of 15 days for files related to stations with a capacity less than or equal to 20 kV (kilovolts). The absence of a response within the deadlines will be considered an acceptance.
For stations with a capacity greater than 20 kV, if a file is submitted with a technical certification issued by an accredited control office, STEG’s verification will focus only on the part related to alternating current, within a maximum period of 30 working days.
However, in the absence of technical certification, the verification will cover all technical aspects, with a maximum period of 60 working days.
It was decided to hold technical sessions between the company’s technical departments and the installers to ensure effective processing and reduce technical validation delays.
A well-marked path
Concerning the installation of meters and the commissioning of stations, an appointment will be scheduled in coordination with the station installers, provided that the time limit does not exceed 30 working days from the date of the commissioning request.
Note that the payment of meter fees can be made from the submission of the request, while the meter will be installed within a period not exceeding 30 days, regardless of the progress of the station’s installation and commissioning work.
As for periodic monitoring, the central and regional services ensure regular follow-up of the progress in processing the photovoltaic station installation files, to ensure compliance with regulations and the required deadlines.
STEG reiterates its commitment to supporting energy transition projects and encouraging citizens and investors to move toward electricity production from renewable energies.
It calls on operators to implement these new measures to ensure the necessary efficiency, and to consult the official STEG website for more information or contact the relevant districts and regional administrations.
