Tunisia Aims for 35% of Electricity from Renewable Energy by 2030
Tunisia is now targeting 35% of its electricity production to come from renewable energy sources by 2030. This was one of the main messages conveyed by the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Ouael Chouchane, during his remote participation in the Arab Forum for Sustainable Development held on May 19.
Current State of Renewable Energy in Tunisia
According to data presented by Ouael Chouchane, renewable energy currently accounts for 9% of the country's electricity production. To accelerate this transition, several projects are already underway, particularly in solar and wind energy. Among the announced figures, approximately 450 megawatts have been installed on rooftops as part of the electricity self-production system. New photovoltaic solar power plants have also recently come into production in Tunisia, while five additional large-scale projects with a total capacity of 600 megawatts are expected to be launched soon.
Regional Discussions on Energy Resilience
During this regional meeting dedicated to the seventh sustainable development goal related to energy, discussions focused on the resilience of electrical grids and the challenges facing energy systems in the Arab world. Several Arab energy officials participated in the exchanges, including representatives from Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Kuwait.
Importance of Multi-Stakeholder Involvement
Chouchane also emphasized that energy transition does not depend solely on large industrial projects. According to him, the success of this strategy requires the involvement of public institutions, local authorities, civil society, and the private sector. In this context, he highlighted the regional REGEND initiative led by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA). This initiative supports the development of local impact renewable energy projects, particularly for the benefit of rural women.
REGEND Initiative Success Stories
According to the figures released, seven solar projects with a total capacity of 120 kilowatts have already been implemented under this initiative for the benefit of development associations, agricultural cooperatives, and women entrepreneurs. These projects have supported schools, health centers, and economic activities in rural areas.
Arab Forum for Sustainable Development
The Arab Forum for Sustainable Development is organized by ESCWA in collaboration with the Arab League to assess the progress of Arab countries in implementing the sustainable development goals by 2030.
