برامج الطاقات المتجددة في تونس المنجز والتحديات

26 Avr برامج الطاقات المتجددة في تونس المنجز والتحديات

Tunisia is currently grappling with a significant energy deficit, which has recently surged to 54%, up

from 10% in 2010. If no new discoveries are made, this deficit is projected to escalate to 80% by 2035.

The prospect of boosting discoveries necessitates substantial investments in unconventional oil and

gas, a controversial proposition due to its potential social and environmental repercussions. However,

the adoption of clean energy could alleviate energy costs for both the national budget and households.

Renewable energy has been a cornerstone of government policies since the 1980s, but these

initiatives have yet to effectively address the burgeoning energy deficit, which has been on an

exponential rise since the 2000s. These ambitious programs failed to lay the groundwork for

accelerating renewable energy projects and did not establish the necessary prerequisites for efficient

energy plans and plants.

A proactive, multi-sectorial approach could pave the way for accelerating renewable energy projects.

For example, land issues continue to hinder the progress of renewable energy projects. Establishing

land reserves dedicated to clean energy projects could expedite investment settlement, necessitating

the collaboration of various government departments, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry

of public properties and the Ministry of Defense.

Moreover, other facets of energy projects, such as the technical issues related to the electricity grid’s

capacity and adaptability to new electricity production technologies must be addressed. Therefore,

concerted efforts are needed to upgrade and adapt the network to accommodate renewable energy

projects.

The pace of energy transition in Tunisia is not only hampered by land and grid issues but also by the

legal and institutional framework. The lengthy process of rights allocation in the renewable sector

significantly delays renewable energy projects, which typically require at least two years to start

electricity production. Efforts should be made to streamline this bureaucratic and complex procedure.

The establishment of an independent electricity regulatory body separate from the national electricity

company, STEG, could advance renewable energy programs by providing clarity on price

determination, thereby offering a guarantee of governance and transparency for investors. The

government’s draft law concerning the regulatory body should be submitted to the parliament for

approval as soon as possible. Furthermore, additional financial incentives could potentially attract

more investments in the renewable energy sector.