Tunisia Takes a Crucial Step Towards Reducing Energy Dependence with Renewable Energy Development
Tunisia may be on the cusp of a significant milestone in reducing its energy dependence, thanks to the development of renewable energy sources. Expert Ali Kanzari believes that the recent adoption by the Assembly of Representatives of the People (ARP) of several concession agreements for electricity production is a move that aligns with the country's national interest.
Speaking on Diwan Fm on Tuesday, Kanzari emphasized that these concessions, outlined in the 2014 Renewable Energy Law, are not exclusively reserved for foreign investors but remain open to Tunisian actors. He sees them as a strategic lever to strengthen the country's energy sovereignty in the long term.
The stakes are particularly high, as Tunisia has become a net energy importer since the 2000s. The country relies heavily on oil imports for transportation and natural gas for electricity production, with a significant portion coming from Algeria. This dependence is a cause for concern, with Kanzari warning of the risks associated with a potential disruption in supply.
In this context, the increased use of renewable energy appears as a viable economic alternative. Kanzari noted that the production cost of electricity by the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Society (STEG) currently exceeds 500 millimes, with a trend towards an increase that could reach 600 millimes due to international market tensions. In contrast, electricity produced under these investments could be sold at around 90 millimes, a significantly lower cost.
Looking ahead, Kanzari estimated that the implementation of production capacities reaching 5,000 megawatts by 2032 could generate annual savings of around 2,000 million dinars for Tunisia, based on a crude oil price of around 62 dollars per barrel.
In this framework, the Assembly of Representatives of the People adopted five draft laws on Tuesday, approving concession agreements for electricity production, as well as their annexes and site lease contracts for several photovoltaic power plants.
Through these measures, Tunisia aims to diversify its energy mix, reduce its energy bill, and enhance its resilience to international market fluctuations.
