Electricity in Tunisia in 2024
In Tunisia, the current state of electricity consumption is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 85% of electricity generated from these sources. The vast majority of this comes from gas, which accounts for close to the entirety of fossil fuel usage. Net imports contribute almost 11% of the electricity, leaving a mere fraction, approximately 3.56%, to low-carbon or clean energy. Solar and wind, the primary clean energy sources, contribute around 2.1% and 1.41%, respectively. This distribution signifies a pressing need for a shift towards more sustainable and low-carbon energy alternatives to reduce the country's dependency on fossil fuels 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?
Electricity consumption in Tunisia is experiencing a concerning period of decline. The average consumption in 2024 stands at 1899 kWh per person, a drop from the previous record of 1979 kWh per person in 2022. Low-carbon electricity generation follows a similar trend, with the latest figures showing a decrease to 68 kWh per person from a previous high of 69 kWh per person in 2023. These decreases are troubling, as electricity demand is expected to grow with increased electrification and advancements like AI. It's critical that Tunisia addresses this decline by expanding its electricity capacity, especially through clean and sustainable sources, to keep pace with future demands.
Suggestions
To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Tunisia could benefit substantially by learning from successful regions around the globe. Countries like Lebanon and Cyprus have made significant strides in solar, with Lebanon generating 31% and Cyprus around 23%. Meanwhile, wind energy success stories abound, such as in Morocco and Denmark, contributing 21% and 58%, respectively. On the nuclear front, France is a standout, producing a massive 70% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Tunisia can emulate these regions by investing more significantly in solar and wind installations and exploring the potential of nuclear energy for a baseload supply that is both reliable and environmentally friendly. This dual focus can help enhance energy security and contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions.
History
Looking at the historical development of low-carbon electricity in Tunisia, the nation has experienced moderate growth, punctuated by modest advancements and occasional setbacks. In the late 1980s, the contribution of hydro power was minimal but saw consistent, though small, increases by as much as 0.1 TWh in select years. Wind energy started to make a mark in 2009 and continued to contribute small increments, notably adding 0.2 TWh in 2013. More recently, solar energy has been promising, with a substantial increase of 0.2 TWh in 2023. These historical trends underline the potential but also highlight the need for more robust and ambitious initiatives to accelerate the growth of clean, low-carbon electricity solutions in Tunisia. Expanding solar and exploring nuclear could be key to driving a more sustainable and secure energy future.
