Energy
From The Report: Tunisia 2016
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Tunisia’s energy balance shifted from surplus to deficit in 2000, and the country has since remained a net importer of energy. With domestic production falling and demand rising, Tunisia is looking to diversify its energy mix through renewables, higher imports and by promoting energy efficiency through a gradual scaling back of subsidies. Overall, attempts to promote efficiency and alternative energies have moved slowly in Tunisia, in part due to the post-revolution uncertainty of recent years, a reflection of the a high degree of state intervention in the energy sector. Despite challenges, Tunisia’s efforts to establish a more efficient, diversified energy portfolio could move forward in 2016. The split, in January 2016, of Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines, and the subsequent formation of the Ministry of Energy, could serve to refocus attention, previously shared with industry and mining, back on the energy sector. It is also true that if the new ministry is able to deliver a more cohesive sector strategy, as called for by industry players, this could help reduce the country’s reliance on imports and allow it to tap into the underutilized potential of its hydrocarbons and renewable resources.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Meeting demand: Rising consumption and falling production are prompting a push to increase efficiencies and diversify the energy base
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Tunisia’s energy balance shifted from surplus to deficit in 2000, and the country has since remained a net importer of energy. With domestic production falling and demand rising, Tunisia is looking to diversify its energy mix through renewables, higher imports and by promoting energy efficiency through a gradual scaling back of subsidies. Although there is a push taking place to unlock the immense potential of Tunisian renewables – particularly solar – gas, much of which is imported from Algeria,…

Analysis

All change: A new law to increase government review of energy contracts promises wide-reaching effects for the industry
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Days before Tunisia’s first democratically representative constitution was ratified on January 26 2014, Article 13 was overwhelmingly adopted by the National People’s Assembly 182 votes to 1. The article aims to ensure transparency in the energy sector, particularly for extractive industries. “Natural resources belong to the people of Tunisia,” it reads. “The State exercises sovereignty on their behalf. A special parliamentary commission examines investment contracts. Agreements relating…

Analysis

Promoting renewables: The authorities take steps to diversify the country’s energy mix
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Renewable energies, especially solar, have significant potential in Tunisia. The country boasts annual irradiation rates of approximately 1800 to 2600 KWh per square metre, over 20% more than the most irradiated sites in Europe. Today, around 97% of electricity is still generated through fossil fuels. Renewable energy, most of which is currently produced by Tunisia’s two wind farms, accounts for just 3% of the country’s grid-connected generation capacity, according to 2015 figures from the Ministry…