Tunisia is hosting a two-day regional workshop on national cooling plans for the Middle East and North Africa region. The event, which started on October 28, 2026, brings together high-level representatives from international and regional partners, including the United Nations Environment Programme, the Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, and the Arab League. The workshop aims to support regional efforts in sustainable cooling and energy efficiency.
The Director-General of the National Agency for Energy Control, Nafeh El-Bakkari, opened the workshop, emphasizing that cooling is no longer just a matter of luxury, but a sovereign issue linked to energy security, public health, social justice, and climate change adaptation. He highlighted that the air conditioning sector accounts for around 60% of the required capacity on the electricity grid during peak hours, especially after recent exceptional heatwaves in Tunisia and the region.
El-Bakkari showcased Tunisia's proactive leadership in energy efficiency and sustainable cooling, citing notable achievements and future plans. These include mandatory energy labelling for air conditioners and refrigerators, thermal insulation for buildings, and programs for insulating roofs and improving energy efficiency in public buildings. He also mentioned the successful launch of a pioneering industrial experiment in cold storage technology in 2021, which demonstrated high economic and energy efficiency.
The National Agency for Energy Control has also launched an ambitious program for 2026-2027 to certify and verify motors used in industrial refrigeration compressors. Additionally, El-Bakkari announced a new project for 2027, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the Global Environment Facility, to reduce energy consumption for cooling along the entire food value chain.
The agency is working on preparing a cahier des charges for refrigeration facilities to structure energy audits in the industrial sector and facilitate access to support from the Energy Transition Fund. The agency is also making progress on a project for a model urban heating and cooling network in Bab Saadoun. El-Bakkari emphasized that Tunisia is not just drafting strategic plans, but also turning them into concrete, financeable projects.
Tunisia is committed to sharing its accumulated expertise with Arab countries to enhance regional cooperation and address common climate challenges. The country has made significant strides in energy efficiency and sustainable cooling, serving as a model for the region. The regional workshop provides a platform for participants to share experiences, best practices, and innovative solutions to address the challenges of sustainable cooling and energy efficiency.
The workshop will enable the exchange of ideas and expertise among participants, fostering cooperation and collaboration to address the pressing issues of climate change, energy security, and sustainable development in the region. By working together, countries in the Middle East and North Africa can leverage their collective strengths to achieve a more sustainable and resilient future.
Key points
- Tunisia hosts regional workshop on national cooling plans for MENA region
- Country showcases proactive leadership in energy efficiency and sustainable cooling
- Tunisia aims to share expertise with Arab countries to enhance regional cooperation on climate challenges
