Meeting Between Tunisian Ministry of Energy and Italian Operator Terna to Discuss Elmed Project
On February 28, 2025, the Secretary of State in charge of Energy Transition, Wael Chouchen, met with a delegation from the Italian electrical grid operator Terna, led by Maria Rosaria Guarniere, at the Ministry's headquarters. The Italian Ambassador to Tunisia, Alessandro Bruni, the CEO of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), Faysal Tarifa, and several Ministry officials were also present. This meeting provided an opportunity to follow up on the progress of the Elmed project, which aims to connect the Tunisian and Italian electrical grids, and to discuss the tenders related to the different components of this project, which is expected to come into service by the end of 2028.
The Elmed project involves the installation of a 220 km long underwater cable, with a capacity of 600 megawatts, and two conversion stations that will connect the Tunisian and Italian electrical grids. This project will strengthen energy ties between the two countries, promoting better integration of the electricity markets.
The efforts made by all stakeholders to complete this project within the set deadlines were praised. The project will contribute to the development of Tunisia's national electrical grid, increasing production capacity from renewable energy sources and reducing the country's energy deficit.
It is worth noting that the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has launched the first version of the "Smart Grid" in Tunisia, an intelligent system supported by STEG, the French Development Agency (AFD), and Siemens (a German company). This system aims to optimize energy management through connected meters and better integration of renewable energy sources, reducing technical losses and improving service quality for Tunisian consumers.
