On September 22, 2026, Tunisia's Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zouari, emphasized the need for enhanced coordination among various stakeholders involved in the ELMED project. This project aims to establish an electrical interconnection between Tunisia and Italy. Zouari's call for stronger synergy was made during the first meeting of the Steering Committee overseeing the project's implementation. The goal is to ensure rigorous monitoring of the project's progress in line with the predetermined schedule.
The ELMED project is a significant initiative that will connect the electrical networks of North Africa to those of Europe. This will be achieved through a submarine cable approximately 223 km long, with a capacity of 600 MW in bidirectional transport. The project features a voltage of up to 500 kV in high-voltage direct current (HVDC). When completed, it is expected to serve as a vital energy bridge between Tunisia and Europe.
The meeting, chaired by Zouari, brought together representatives from various entities, including the Société Tunisienne d'Electricité et de Gaz (STEG), the General Directorate of Customs, and ministries such as Defense, Economy, Agriculture, and Environment. The attendance reflected the multi-sectoral nature of the project and the need for comprehensive collaboration.
Zouari also stressed the importance of mobilizing all necessary efforts to overcome potential difficulties and ensure optimal implementation conditions. His statements underscored the project's strategic importance and the need for all stakeholders to work in concert. The ELMED project is seen as a pivotal element in Tunisia's energy strategy and its integration into the European energy market.
The ELMED project and related initiatives, such as the Mdhilla-2 plant, have been placed under specific monitoring. This attention from the highest levels of government highlights the project's significance for Tunisia's energy future and its potential to attract new investments. The project's progress is closely watched by various stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.
The electrical interconnection with Italy is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy cooperation between Tunisia and Europe. It is expected to not only improve the stability and security of the energy supply but also to promote sustainable development and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid.
As the project moves forward, the emphasis on coordination and synergy among all stakeholders is likely to remain a priority. With its potential to transform Tunisia's energy landscape and strengthen its ties with Europe, the ELMED project continues to garner significant attention and support from various quarters.
Key points
- Tunisia's Minister Salah Zouari calls for enhanced coordination among stakeholders for the ELMED electrical interconnection project with Italy.
