Tunisia Affirms its Commitment to a Successful Energy Transition
Through a clear strategy and ongoing projects, Tunisia is determined to succeed in its energy transition. By focusing on renewables, regional interconnections, and large-scale projects, the country aims to consolidate its role as an electrical hub while meeting its climate commitments by 2030 and 2035.
Tunisia Advances Towards its Energy Transition Objectives
Tunisia is resolutely moving towards its energy transition objectives. Not only is it relying on its own potential in renewable energies, but it also aims to become a credible partner in the new dynamic that the African continent wants to impel in this field. This was affirmed by the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Ouael Chouchene, during his intervention at the conference presenting the Tabc study on the potential of energy corridors in Africa.
Reducing Energy Intensity and Increasing Electrification
On this occasion, the official recalled that Tunisia will achieve its energy strategy objectives, including 35% of renewables in the energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2035. The country is also working to reduce the energy intensity of its economy by 30% by 2030 compared to 2021 and to increase the electrification rate of uses from 24% in 2021 to 30% in 2035. "These are clear, ambitious objectives that take into account our potential and the capacity of our network to absorb this transformation," Chouchene emphasized. He assured that these are not just promises, but concrete projects already under development.
Solar Power Plants to Enter Production in 2025
In this regard, he announced that the Kairouan (100 MW), Sidi Bouzid (50 MW), and Tozeur (over 50 MW) solar power plants will enter production in December 2025. These power plants, he added, will significantly contribute to reducing the country's energy deficit. The projects currently under development, which will soon be operational, will increase the share of renewable energies in the Tunisian electricity mix from 6% to 10% in 2026. In terms of energy efficiency, the Secretary of State indicated that Tunisia has made significant progress, reducing the energy intensity of its economy by 14% between 2010 and 2024.
Regional Interconnections: A Model to be Replicated Across the Continent
Referring to Africa's energy potential, Chouchene stated that the continent is one of the most dynamic and promising spaces for global energy transition. In addition to its solar, wind, and hydro resources, Africa can capitalize on its human potential to become not just a reservoir of resources, but a true energy and industrial power. According to him, the philosophy of energy corridors will be at the heart of this ambition, with regional interconnections being the backbone of African integration. He recalled that Tunisia fully shares this vision and has been working for several years to strengthen its role as a regional energy hub through structuring projects and ambitious reforms.
The "ElMed" Project: A Historic Interconnection between Africa and Europe
In this context, he emphasized the importance of the "ElMed" project, which will connect Tunisia to Italy and represent the first direct current electrical interconnection between Africa and Europe. "This is a historic project that will enhance our country's energy security while further improving regional electricity markets. A project of the future, symbolizing interconnection, trust, and convergence between the two shores of the Mediterranean," he specified. He also recalled that regional energy integration is not a new concept for Tunisia, which already has five electrical interconnections and a gas interconnection with Algeria, as well as two electrical interconnections with Libya. Advanced tripartite discussions are underway to strengthen these links, he emphasized. "This reflects a deep conviction: the energy security of Tunisia, like that of the entire continent, depends on cooperation. These interconnections are the first links in the future energy corridors of Africa," he affirmed.
Energy Corridors: A Broader Ambition for Africa's Development
He estimated that these energy corridors should not be perceived solely through a sectoral prism, i.e., as simple infrastructure. They must, according to him, carry a broader ambition, that of an Africa that organizes, plans, cooperates, innovates, and paves the way for inclusive development, enhanced industrial competitiveness, and collective autonomy. They can be at the heart of an integrated approach linking energy to other major challenges facing the continent, such as food, water, and more.
