Pilot Centralized Cooling & Heating Network to Be Launched at Bab Saadoun Health Cluster (Tunis)
Illustration generated by artificial intelligence
A first‑of‑its‑kind centralized cooling‑and‑heating network will be installed at the Bab Saadoun health pole in Tunis. The project is part of a joint initiative between the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) and the Ministry of Health. It is expected to generate substantial energy savings and markedly lower operating costs for the participating health facilities.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Bab Saadoun health pole, Tunis (17 health establishments) |
| Energy share | ~50 % of the pole’s electricity consumption is currently devoted to heating and air‑conditioning |
| Projected savings | ≈ 3 million TND per year on energy bills |
| Study progress | 3 of the 11 technical studies are already completed (statement by ANME’s Abdelkader Bekouch on 24 Feb 2026) |
| Full study completion | Expected by October 2026 |
| Tender launch | Planned for 2027 |
| Commissioning horizon | Network could be operational by 2030 |
| Future coverage | Designed to meet current and future demand, including planned extensions of the health facilities |
| Potential replication sites | • Lake of Tunis area • Tourist zones of Sousse & Djerba • Sfax region |
| International partners | United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Italian Ministry of the Environment (in partnership with the Technical Higher Institute of Milan), African Development Bank, and several Tunisian institutions |
| Strategic alignment | Supports Tunisia’s energy transition strategy – rationalising energy consumption and cutting emissions |
What the system will deliver
- Efficient production of both chilled water and hot water for heating.
- Integrated distribution to all 17 hospitals and clinics within the Bab Saadoun pole.
- Improved energy performance and greater sustainability of hospital infrastructure.
- Cost‑effective operation, with an estimated annual saving of 3 million TND.
A model for the future
The Bab Saadoun project is presented as a model initiative that could be duplicated in other high‑energy‑consumption zones, such as large hotel complexes or hospital campuses. The success of this pilot may pave the way for similar networks across Tunisia, contributing to national climate goals and enhancing the resilience of critical public‑service facilities.
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