Crowdfunding: A Key Player in the Transition to Renewable Energy
Often cited in economic and environmental debates, crowdfunding or participatory financing remains poorly understood in its concrete applications. Considered a crucial alternative means of financing for many companies, particularly startups and SMEs, it has the potential to play a significant role in the transition to renewable energy.
A national forum held yesterday aimed to lift the fog surrounding crowdfunding, emphasizing the need to raise awareness among both the general public and economic actors about this innovative financing method. Initiated by the Agency for the Promotion of Industry and Innovation (APII), in partnership with the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) and the Greenov'i project, implemented by Expertise France with the support of the European Union, the meeting brought together a wide range of stakeholders around the theme: "Crowdfunding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy".
Inaugurating the forum, the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, highlighted the role of crowdfunding as a complementary lever to the traditional financial system. "It opens up new perspectives for mobilizing savings and directing them towards the real economy," he declared, estimating that this mechanism contributes to the diversification of funding sources while promoting a culture of participation. In a context marked by economic constraints and climate urgency, he also emphasized the ability of crowdfunding to support the development of sustainable energy projects. However, he reminded that the effectiveness of crowdfunding depends on several key conditions: the quality and viability of the proposed projects, the existence of solid governance, and the adoption of innovative economic models. These prerequisites, according to him, are essential to ensure the efficient use of collected funds and provide citizens with a concrete vision of the impact of their commitment.
Speaking in turn, the Director General of the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), Nafaa Bekkari, placed this initiative in the context of national objectives aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. "Achieving these objectives requires a collective mobilization involving all stakeholders: public authorities, financiers, civil society, citizens, and international partners," he affirmed.
According to him, crowdfunding is an innovative tool that allows the energy transition to be anchored in the territories and makes the citizen a full-fledged actor in the change. As an example, he indicated that the development, in each region, of projects with a capacity of 1 MW could represent a significant contribution to the national objective of 4,800 MW set for 2030.
The ANME has already implemented this approach through several projects carried out in partnership with the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (Steg), notably through the installation of photovoltaic panels on roofs. To date, these initiatives have enabled the deployment of a total capacity exceeding 400 MW, thanks to citizen contributions representing between 5 and 10% of the total financing. These contributions take the form of deductions from electricity bills or subsidies granted by the agency, without resorting to debt. "An approach that allows citizens to concretely involve themselves in the energy transition and directly measure its impact," concluded Nafaa Bekkari.
