The Tunisian Order of Engineers (OIT), led by President Mohsen Gharsi, has proposed a comprehensive energy roadmap aimed at addressing the country's persistent energy crisis. The roadmap, titled "Feuille de route énergétique pour la Tunisie," outlines pragmatic and concrete solutions to achieve two primary objectives: enhancing the country's energy security and preventing a recurrence of the problems experienced during the summer of 2026. The OIT's initiative is a response to the severe power outages and disruptions that occurred during the summer.
According to Gharsi, the study was prompted by the dramatic power outages and their consequences, which included widespread electricity cuts during the summer of 2026. He emphasized that the roadmap is not merely a diagnosis of the situation but rather a set of concrete proposals in the energy sector. The OIT aims to transition from the study phase to implementation, ensuring that the proposed solutions are translated into actionable decisions, programs, and projects. Gharsi highlighted the value of the document lies in its translation into tangible measures on the ground.
Gharsi identified the problem of electricity as not solely related to installed capacity but rather the actual capacity to respond to demand during peak periods, particularly in times of extreme heat. He stressed the need for an integrated approach to address the situation, encompassing all aspects of the energy sector, including electricity and gas production, maintenance, networks, renewable energy, storage, financing, governance, and demand management. This approach is crucial to mitigating the energy crisis.
The roadmap proposes several operational solutions, including restoring available capacity through maintenance, covering demand during peak periods, accelerating self-production of solar electricity, and managing demand. The study also emphasizes the need to prepare for the summer of 2027, given the limited time available for decision-making and implementation of maintenance and investment operations. The ultimate goal is to prevent the country from experiencing similar difficulties during the upcoming summer.
The OIT's study highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and developing networks and storage systems. The association's president reaffirmed the OIT's commitment to continuing the debate on the roadmap, enriching its proposals, and contributing to its follow-up and implementation. Gharsi emphasized that energy security is no longer solely a technical issue but is intrinsically linked to economic sovereignty, social stability, and the rights of future generations.
Gharsi praised the efforts of engineers and experts who contributed to the development of the roadmap, underscoring that the engineer's role extends beyond diagnosing problems to proposing solutions and participating in their implementation. The OIT's initiative is a strategic response to the energy crisis, and its success will depend on effective collaboration and implementation.
The energy crisis has significant implications for Tunisia's economic and social stability. The OIT's roadmap offers a comprehensive framework for addressing the crisis, and its proposals have the potential to enhance the country's energy security and promote sustainable development. The roadmap's implementation will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, and civil society organizations.
Key points
- The Tunisian Order of Engineers proposes a comprehensive energy roadmap to address the country's ongoing energy crisis.
- The roadmap aims to enhance energy security and prevent a recurrence of the problems experienced during the summer of 2026.
- The OIT's initiative emphasizes the need for an integrated approach to address the energy crisis, encompassing all aspects of the energy sector.
