Tunisia is at risk of not completing its electricity projects on time, which could lead to power shortages during the summer of 2027. Ali Kenzari, president of the National Syndicate of Photovoltaic Equipment Installers and Maintainers, has warned that the country's demand for electricity is increasing by 5% annually. With a current installed production capacity of 6,000 megawatts, Tunisia needs an additional 300 megawatts to meet its growing needs.
According to Kenzari, the current project timeline does not guarantee that the new capacities will be operational before summer 2027. This could lead to a shortage of 2,800 megawatts during peak consumption periods. The imbalance between supply and demand is expected to worsen, with last year's peak consumption showing a deficit of 2,000-2,500 megawatts. The situation may be exacerbated by delays in implementing the government's plan to improve the performance of existing power plants.
The government's plan, announced in early November, aims to increase production by 300 megawatts from renewable sources, add 300 megawatts of battery storage, and acquire 200 megawatts of gas engines. However, Kenzari notes that the plan's implementation is contingent on launching calls for tenders, which may push its effective date to 2028. This has raised concerns about the country's ability to meet its electricity demands in time.
In light of these challenges, Kenzari suggests that Algeria may be a vital source of electricity for Tunisia in the short term. The two countries have an agreement that allows for electricity exchanges of up to 800 megawatts. However, this volume was insufficient to meet Tunisia's needs last year. Kenzari proposes that the Société tunisienne de l'électricité et du gaz (STEG) negotiate an increase in imports from Sonelgaz, its Algerian counterpart.
Kenzari also highlights the potential of solar photovoltaic energy in addressing Tunisia's electricity needs. He believes that the installed capacity of this sector should have reached at least 2,500 megawatts. Developing this sector could help strengthen national production and reduce pressure on conventional power generation sources.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Tunisia's electricity demand continues to grow. To address this, the government and industry professionals must work together to find solutions that can meet the country's increasing needs. This may involve exploring alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind power, and investing in new technologies to improve efficiency.
Ultimately, the success of Tunisia's electricity projects will depend on effective planning, implementation, and collaboration between stakeholders. With the right strategies and investments, the country can mitigate the risk of power shortages and ensure a reliable electricity supply for its growing population.
Key points
- The country's demand for electricity is increasing by 5% annually, requiring an additional 300 megawatts to meet its growing needs.
- The imbalance between supply and demand could lead to a shortage of 2,800 megawatts during peak consumption periods.
- Developing the solar photovoltaic sector could help strengthen national production and reduce pressure on conventional power generation sources.
