The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has published a general market notice for the Grombalia 2-Kondar electrical reinforcement project, a key component of Tunisia's ELMED 2 initiative. This marks a significant step towards the project's implementation, with the estimated start date for the market phase set for September 16, 2026. The project aims to strengthen the electrical transport network between the south and north of Tunisia.
The ELMED 2 project involves the construction of a 400 kV overhead line, approximately 85 kilometers long, between Grombalia 2 and Kondar, along with connections to the existing network. The project is backed by a sovereign-guaranteed loan of up to €43 million from the EBRD. This infrastructure is crucial for integrating new production capacities, particularly renewable energy sources, into the national grid.
The project's progress is significant for Tunisia's energy sector, as it will enhance the country's electrical transport capabilities and facilitate the integration of new production capacities. The ELMED 2 project is part of a larger initiative, ELMED, which aims to establish an electrical interconnection between Tunisia and Italy with a capacity of 600 MW.
The upcoming market phase will be decisive for companies in the sector, as they will need to prepare for the specific requirements of the project, including technical qualifications, timelines, guarantees, and award criteria. The EBRD's notice indicates that the markets will be open to companies from all countries, unless specified otherwise in the specific documents.
However, the project's implementation is not without challenges. The EBRD's documentation highlights potential impacts on agricultural land, including affected crops, tower emplacements, and temporary or permanent usage restrictions. The project's success will depend on the effective management of these constraints and the selection of suitable companies for the market phase.
The ELMED 2 project's progress is being closely watched by industry stakeholders, as it has the potential to significantly enhance Tunisia's energy infrastructure and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. The project's implementation will also have a positive impact on the country's economic development and energy security.
Key details of the project include a 400 kV tension line, an 85 km long main connection, and a €43 million loan from the EBRD. The project's estimated start date for the market phase is September 16, 2026, and the publication of the general market notice was made on September 23, 2026.
Key points
- The EBRD has published a general market notice for the Grombalia 2-Kondar electrical reinforcement project, marking a significant step towards the project's implementation.
- The project aims to strengthen the electrical transport network between the south and north of Tunisia and facilitate the integration of new production capacities, particularly renewable energy sources.
- The project's implementation will depend on the effective management of potential constraints, including impacts on agricultural land and the selection of suitable companies for the market phase.
