Italian Group Prysmian Secures €460 Million Contract for Tunisia-Italy Submarine Electric Interconnection
The Italian group Prysmian Group has been awarded a contract estimated at €460 million for the realization of the first submarine electric interconnection between Tunisia and Italy. This strategic project, named "Eleni" or Italy-Tunisia Interconnector, aims to strengthen energy security and support the transition to renewable energies on both sides of the Mediterranean.
According to specialized sources in energy matters, the infrastructure will consist of a high-voltage submarine cable approximately 200 kilometers long, connecting the city of Gabès in southern Tunisia to Mazara del Vallo in Sicily. This is one of the flagship projects in the Mediterranean basin, listed among the European Union's priority initiatives in the field of energy.
The project benefits from partial financing from the European Commission, which sees it as a major step forward for the integration of energy markets and the diversification of supplies. Its implementation will be carried out in partnership between the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) and the Italian operator Terna, manager of the electricity grid in Italy.
The Tunisia-Italy interconnection is expected to contribute to securing the energy supply of both countries and offer Tunisia the opportunity to capitalize on its potential in renewable energies. Thanks to this cable, Tunisia will be able to export its excess production of solar and wind electricity to Europe, thus participating in the continental effort to transition to cleaner energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Construction work is expected to begin in 2026, with commissioning scheduled for 2028 or 2029. Once operational, this project is expected to transform Tunisia into a true regional energy hub, connecting the African continent to Europe.
Beyond electricity, the interconnection also opens up promising prospects for the development of green energy and green hydrogen, a sector that is experiencing rapid growth and could make Tunisia a key player in providing new sustainable energy solutions to the European market.
In addition to its geopolitical and energy importance, the project is expected to have a direct impact on the Tunisian economy, creating jobs in the clean energy, technology, and maintenance sectors. For observers, this is a unique opportunity for Tunisia to integrate into the global value chain of energy transition.
