In Tunisia's electricity consumption for the year 2025, a stark contrast exists between fossil fuels and low-carbon sources. Fossil energy, dominated by gas, accounts for almost all of the country's electricity production, with numbers as high as 99%. This leaves low-carbon options, like wind energy, contributing a mere 1% to the total electricity mix. This significant reliance on fossil fuels raises concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and long-term energy security for Tunisia.

Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Tunisia?

When evaluating the growth of electricity consumption in Tunisia, the picture is less than optimistic. The per capita electricity consumption in 2025 stands at 1581 kWh, which is notably lower than the peak of nearly 2000 kWh recorded in 2022. This represents a decrease of almost 400 kWh per person. Equally worrying is the decline in low-carbon electricity consumption, with the latest per capita amount at 23 kWh, significantly reduced from the 69 kWh per capita peak in 2023. These figures suggest a concerning trend of stagnation or decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation, which could hinder Tunisia's progress towards sustainable development and environmental goals.

Suggestions

To reverse this trend and increase low-carbon electricity generation, Tunisia can take inspiration from successful examples worldwide. Countries like North Macedonia and Cyprus are investing significantly in solar energy, contributing up to about half of their electricity generation, making solar a compelling option for Tunisia, especially given its favorable climate. Similarly, Denmark and Iowa have demonstrated the viability of wind energy, achieving nearly 60% of their electricity from wind. Tunisia could also look to countries like France and Slovakia, which have embraced nuclear energy, generating around two-thirds of their electricity from this reliable source. Prioritizing solar and nuclear energy could significantly enhance Tunisia's energy security, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

History

Historically, Tunisia's low-carbon electricity journey has been somewhat inconsistent. Starting with slight increments in hydroelectric power in the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was little progress until the early 2000s. A modest surge in wind power began in 2009 and continued into the early 2010s, though it faced setbacks by 2015. Solar energy only emerged in 2021 and saw moderate growth in following years. Unfortunately, the 2020s also witnessed some regressions in wind energy, which highlights the fragile and unstable advancements in Tunisia's low-carbon electricity sector. This underscores the urgent need for a decisive policy shift and investments focusing on sustainable and reliable sources such as solar and nuclear energy to ensure a cleaner and more resilient energy future for Tunisia.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade