Developing the solar energy market in Tunisia

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Author: Kevin
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Tunisia meets around 97 per cent of its electricity needs from gas and oil. In 2015 the state paid energy subsidies of more than 150 billion euros, resulting in a considerable burden on the budget. At the same time, given the steadily falling prices of photovoltaic (PV) systems, there is now an environmentally friendly and economical alternative for generating electricity.

At present, however, despite the excellent geographical conditions, installed photovoltaic capacity stands at just 35 megawatts. More private and public investment is necessary to increase the proportion of photovoltaic systems. This will require a more enabling legal and administrative framework, customer-oriented services provided by the private sector and measures to anchor market growth in disadvantaged regions.

Status
Completed
Start Year
2017
End Year
2019
Geographical Scope
National
Main Objectives

The project supports the efforts of the Tunisian Government to expand the market for decentralised photovoltaic systems.

Main Activities

Strengthening of the market for small and medium-sized PV systems

Improving government funding mechanisms and Frameworks,

Establishing services and local stakeholder cooperation at regional level

Ensuring the quality and sustainability of PV systems.

Outcomes and Impact

Pilot plant with an output of 19 kWp on the roof of the headquarters of the National Energy Agency (ANME) in Tunis

14 kWp self-consumption system on the roof of the Agareb town hall. The system covers 90% of the electricity demand.

13 kWp photovoltaic system for demonstration purposes on the grounds of the National School of Engineering (Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs) in Sfax. The system is based on three different technologies as well as didactic and pedagogical elements.

Negotiations involved
Bilaterals involved
Countries
Tunisia
Partnering Entities
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH
National Agency for Energy Management - Tunisia
Type of Technical Assistance
Budget (in millions)
0.00
Currency
Euro
Energy Sectors and Subsectors
Contact Person or Organization

Amin Chtioui, Projektleiter amin.chtioui@giz.de