In Tunisia's electricity landscape for 2024, the nation's energy generation is heavily dominated by fossil fuels, which constitute more than 85% of its electricity sources, with almost all of it coming from gas. In addition, a notable portion, about 11%, of the country's electricity is sourced through net imports. Clean energy, unfortunately, accounts for a small portion of the electricity mix, standing at almost 4%. Within this category, solar power contributes just over 2%, while wind makes up about 1.5%. This low percentage of clean electricity highlights an essential area for growth to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are known for contributing to climate change and air pollution.

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

Is Electricity Growing in Tunisia?

Examining Tunisia's electricity consumption, a noticeable decline can be seen. The per capita electricity consumption in 2024 stands at approximately 1899 kWh, a decrease from the historical high of 1979 kWh observed in 2022. This drop of 79 kWh per person is concerning as it might indicate challenges in meeting growth demands for industries and households. Furthermore, the progress in low-carbon electricity generation seems to have stalled. The latest clean energy figures indicate just 68 kWh per person, showing a minor decline from the previous year's peak of 69 kWh per person. Such stagnation in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is disappointing and suggests a pressing need for expansion and optimization.

Suggestions

For Tunisia to increase its low-carbon electricity generation effectively, learning from international successes would be beneficial. Countries like Lebanon and Egypt have harnessed close to 31% of their electricity from solar energy, a resource readily available in Tunisia due to its favorable climate. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates, another nation with vast desert regions, achieved 20% of its electricity from nuclear power, highlighting how a combination of nuclear and solar could be pivotal. Additionally, regions like Iowa and Nevada showcase the potential of wind and solar energy, with Nevada achieving 33% solar energy penetration. Emulating such successful strategies could significantly boost Tunisia's share of sustainable, clean electricity, helping foster energy independence and environmental sustainability.

History

Tracing through Tunisia's history of low-carbon electricity, small but meaningful strides have been made over past decades, especially with the gradual introduction of hydroelectric power in the mid-1980s and its modest fluctuations over the years. The late 2000s saw the advent of wind power, initially contributing gradually, with successive small increases. In more recent years, from 2021 onwards, solar energy has started to make its mark with constant yearly increases in output. However, the absence of any significant contribution from nuclear energy, a critical low-carbon power source, is notably glaring. To transform and progress in green electricity, Tunisia must swiftly capitalize on nuclear and solar advancements, drawing lessons from global leaders who have successfully championed these energy forms.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade