Tunisia is making remarkable progress in its transition to renewable energy, with a strong focus on solar, wind, and biomass sources. The country is determined to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, setting an ambitious goal to generate 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
This target underscores Tunisia’s commitment to sustainable energy use and environmental responsibility. A central aspect of this strategy involves enhancing energy efficiency across key sectors, including buildings, industry, and transport. According to a media report, Tunisia aims to reduce energy demand by 30% by 2030, highlighting its dedication to conserving resources and minimizing environmental impact.
A significant milestone in Tunisia’s renewable energy journey was the creation of the Energy Transition Fund in 2013. This fund has been crucial in attracting investments for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, paving the way for a cleaner energy future.
Private investment is vital to Tunisia’s renewable energy ambitions, as it plays a significant role in financing projects across North Africa. This focus on attracting private capital is yielding positive results, with renewable energy production showing steady growth.
According to a recent report from the Ministry of Industry, renewable energy accounted for 5.6% of Tunisia’s electricity output as of June 2024, reflecting consistent progress. The residential sector, in particular, has seen notable advancements, with 254 megawatts of electricity generated from renewable sources.
However, this increase in renewable energy production has coincided with a rise in electricity consumption. Peak consumption reached 4,024 megawatts at the end of June 2024, representing a 13% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite these encouraging developments, Tunisia continues to face challenges, particularly in balancing its energy trade. The National Observatory for Energy and Mines reported a 26% worsening of the energy trade deficit in January 2024, reaching 1,011 million dinars, even after factoring in Algeria’s gas royalties.
While energy exports rose by 44% to 279 million dinars, the cost of importing petroleum products increased by 30%, amounting to 1,290 million dinars compared to the same period in 2023.
By actively engaging public and private stakeholders, Tunisia is constructing a cleaner, more efficient energy model. The country is positioning itself as a committed player in the global effort to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. Tunisia has revised its renewable energy target, now aiming to generate 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030, with 90% of this energy coming from wind and solar photovoltaic power.
