Elyes Ben Ammar, a member of the General Electricity and Gas Federation affiliated with the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), has expressed concerns over the country's green hydrogen projects. In an interview with African Manager, Ben Ammar stated that these projects are heavily reliant on water and energy, which could exacerbate Tunisia's existing energy deficit and water shortage. He emphasized that the projects' high costs and demands could have significant implications for the country's resources.
According to Ben Ammar, the overall electricity loss rate within the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Society (STEG) stands at 20% of the total energy production. This raises questions about the feasibility and efficiency of the green hydrogen projects. The federation has several reservations about these projects, considering the country's current struggles with energy and water scarcity. Ben Ammar suggested that a national dialogue or consultation would have been beneficial before validating or adopting these projects.
Tunisia is being presented as one of the most promising sites in the Mediterranean for becoming a regional production and export platform for green hydrogen to the European market. The country's strategic position and significant potential for renewable energy make it an attractive location. However, Ben Ammar's concerns highlight the need for careful consideration of the projects' implications on Tunisia's resources and energy infrastructure.
The green hydrogen projects in Tunisia have been touted as a potential solution for the country's energy needs, but their high costs and demands have raised concerns. Ben Ammar emphasized that the projects' validation and adoption should have been preceded by a national consultation. This would have allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of the projects' feasibility and potential impact on the country's resources.
The Tunisian government has been promoting the development of renewable energy sources, including green hydrogen, to address the country's energy challenges. However, the concerns raised by Ben Ammar and the General Electricity and Gas Federation highlight the need for a more nuanced approach to energy planning. The country's energy deficit and water shortage must be carefully considered when evaluating the feasibility of such projects.
The African Manager report did not provide specific details on the planned capacity or expected output of the green hydrogen projects in Tunisia. However, the country's commitment to developing renewable energy sources is clear. The government aims to capitalize on Tunisia's potential for renewable energy to address its energy challenges and become a regional player in the green hydrogen market.
The concerns raised by Ben Ammar and the General Electricity and Gas Federation will likely be addressed in future discussions on the country's energy policy. The Tunisian government must balance the potential benefits of green hydrogen projects with the concerns about their impact on the country's resources. A comprehensive evaluation of the projects' feasibility and potential implications will be essential in determining their role in Tunisia's energy future.
Key points
- Tunisian labor union official raises concerns over water and energy demands of green hydrogen projects.
