The Tunisian Engineers' Order has developed a comprehensive "energy roadmap" to tackle the country's energy security challenges, particularly the power outages experienced during summer 2026. According to Mohsen Gharsi, the dean of engineers, the roadmap was created by mobilizing engineering expertise to provide practical solutions in the energy sector. The goal is to move beyond mere diagnostics and general considerations, focusing on concrete actions to address the nation's energy needs.
Gharsi emphasized that increasing installed electrical capacity is not the sole solution; instead, the focus should be on the system's ability to meet demand during peak consumption periods, especially during heatwaves. He stressed the need for an integrated approach encompassing gas supply, electricity production, network maintenance, renewable energy development, electricity storage, demand management, project financing, and system governance. This multi-faceted strategy aims to ensure a stable and reliable energy supply.
The engineers' roadmap proposes several operational tracks, including restoring available capacity through maintenance, securing supplies during peak demand, developing self-production of electricity from solar energy, protecting critical infrastructure, and enhancing storage systems. Gharsi also highlighted the importance of preparing for summer 2027, given the limited time available for decision-making and implementing solutions. He urged swift action to prevent a repeat of the previous summer's difficulties.
The Tunisian Engineers' Order does not intend to replace the state, government, or the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (Steg); rather, it aims to provide expertise and engineering skills to support the state's efforts in addressing energy sector challenges. Gharsi praised the engineers and experts who contributed to the roadmap, emphasizing that their role extends beyond diagnosing problems to proposing and implementing solutions.
The roadmap's development involved extensive collaboration among engineers and experts, demonstrating the Order's commitment to addressing the nation's energy security concerns. By providing a comprehensive framework for action, the engineers aim to support the implementation of effective solutions. The focus now shifts from study and research to concrete actions and project implementation.
Gharsi acknowledged the efforts of the engineers and experts involved in creating the roadmap, highlighting the critical role of engineers in proposing and implementing solutions. He expressed the Order's willingness to continue debating and refining the roadmap, contributing to its implementation, and ensuring that energy security is addressed from a technical, economic, social, and environmental perspective.
The Tunisian Engineers' Order's initiative underscores the significance of collaboration and expertise in addressing the country's energy challenges. By working together, the engineers aim to ensure a stable and secure energy supply, which is crucial for the nation's economic sovereignty, social stability, and the well-being of future generations. The roadmap's success will depend on effective implementation and continued collaboration among stakeholders.
Key points
- The Tunisian Engineers' Order has developed a comprehensive roadmap to address the country's energy security challenges.
- The roadmap emphasizes an integrated approach to energy security, encompassing gas supply, electricity production, and renewable energy development.
- The engineers aim to support the state's efforts in addressing energy sector challenges, rather than replacing existing institutions.
