Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Slah Zouari, chaired the first steering committee meeting for the Elmed electrical interconnection project on Tuesday. The project aims to establish an electrical connection between Tunisia and Italy. Zouari emphasized the importance of coordination among stakeholders to ensure the project's progress according to schedule. The meeting was attended by various officials, including the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, and the President-Director General of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), Faiçal Tarifa.
The Elmed project is a strategic initiative for Tunisia's energy system, aiming to create a bridge between the country's energy network and Europe's. The project involves laying a submarine cable approximately 223 kilometers long across the Strait of Sicily. This cable will connect the electrical networks of North Africa and Europe. The interconnection will have a capacity of 600 megawatts and operate at a voltage of up to 500 kilovolts in high-voltage direct current (HVDC).
The submarine cable will be installed at a maximum depth of about 800 meters. The project is expected to enhance energy exchange between Tunisia and Europe. It will also contribute to the development of renewable energy sources in the region. The steering committee's role is crucial in ensuring the project's progress and addressing any potential challenges that may arise during its implementation.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various ministries, including Defense, Economy and Planning, Equipment and Housing, Agriculture, and Environment. Other attendees included officials from the General Directorate of Customs and senior executives from the Ministry and STEG. The presence of these stakeholders highlights the project's importance and the need for inter-ministerial coordination.
Minister Zouari stressed the need to overcome potential difficulties and create favorable conditions for the project's advancement. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the set timeline. The project's success depends on the effective collaboration of all parties involved.
The Elmed project is a significant step towards integrating Tunisia's energy system with European networks. It is expected to have a positive impact on the country's energy security and economy. The project's progress will be closely monitored by the steering committee.
The first steering committee meeting marked an important milestone in the project's development. The committee will continue to play a vital role in ensuring the project's successful implementation. Key stakeholders will work together to address challenges and achieve the project's objectives.
Key points
- The Elmed project involves laying a 223-kilometer submarine cable across the Strait of Sicily to connect Tunisia and Italy's electrical networks.
- The project aims to create a bridge between North Africa and Europe's energy networks, enhancing energy exchange and contributing to renewable energy development.
- The steering committee, chaired by Minister Slah Zouari, will ensure the project's progress and address potential challenges.
