Tunisia's Energy Landscape to Undergo Significant Changes by 2030
According to data from the General Federation of Electricity and Gas, Tunisia's energy landscape is expected to undergo a profound transformation by 2030. The projections indicate that the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (Steg), which currently dominates the market, will see its share decrease in favor of a significant increase in private production, which will play a central role.
A More Diversified Energy Model
The system will evolve towards a more diversified model, marked by increased openness to external markets, particularly European ones, and progress in the development of self-production. This shift contrasts with the current configuration, where Steg alone accounted for nearly 85% of electricity production in 2024.
Concerns Over an Unbalanced Energy Transition
The General Federation of Electricity and Gas has expressed concerns about this energy transition, which they consider unbalanced. They point to a progressive weakening of the public operator's role in a strategic sector. Elyes Ben Ammar, a member of the Federation, explained that the current orientation largely favors foreign investors, who will exploit the country's natural resources (solar and wind) to produce electricity, partly for export. This dynamic risks limiting the economic benefits at the national level.
Lack of Consultation and Representation
Ben Ammar also regrets the lack of consultation around these reforms, noting the absence of representatives from the sector, including those from the UGTT, in parliamentary discussions.
A Call for a Revised Energy Strategy
In response to these challenges, the Federation is calling for a revised energy strategy that strengthens the role of Steg in developing renewable energies and supports local initiatives. The "Prosol" program, dedicated to photovoltaic roof installations, is cited as a successful example to be consolidated.
A Fundamental Question About Tunisia's Energy Model
Beyond the numbers, the debate highlights a fundamental question about the energy transition model that Tunisia wants to adopt, between opening up to foreign capital and consolidating its national capacities. The speakers warned about the risk that renewable energy production will gradually come under the control of foreign interests if the current concession policy is maintained. This could, in their view, strengthen the country's dependence on a strategic sector for the national economy.
