Tunisia's energy diversification
Tunisia's energy diversification strategy is a response to a significant shift in its energy landscape, transitioning from a surplus producer to a net importer of energy. The country is actively promoting the use of its natural gas reserves and hydrocarbon fields while also focusing on energy efficiency and conservation. As of 2022, natural gas constituted nearly half of Tunisia's energy production, a considerable increase from 14% in 2003, largely facilitated by the state-owned Société Tunisienne de l'Électricité et du Gaz (STEG). Despite a peak in crude oil production during the 1980s, current output has dwindled due to declining reserves, prompting increased exploration efforts and foreign investment in the sector.
In addition to traditional energy sources, Tunisia is making strides in renewable energy, launching the Tunisian Solar Plan in 2009 to foster solar and wind energy production. However, as of 2022, thermal power plants still dominate the energy mix, contributing 96.9% of the installed capacity. The nation's commitment to diversifying its energy sources is further emphasized by collaborations in nuclear technology, exemplified by the Sousse D Power Plant. Overall, Tunisia's approach reflects a comprehensive effort to adapt to changing energy demands and optimize both local resources and international partnerships.
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Tunisia's energy diversification
Official Name: Republic of Tunisia.
Summary: Tunisia has tried to diversify its production of energy by encouraging the use of its natural gas reserves and hydrocarbon fields. The country has also tried to improve energy efficiency and conservation, as well as develop the sectors of nuclear and renewable energies.
Because of a significant decrease in crude oil production, Tunisia’s status as an energy producer has changed radically. The country had gone from being a surplus energy producer to a net importer. This significant change led the country to diversify its energy sources and to encourage the exploration of new reserves. According to 2021 data, oil and petroleum products accounted for 40 percent of energy production, while energy generated through natural gas amounted to 49.4 percent, a dramatic increase considering that in 2003 it was only 14 percent. This increase in the use of natural gas has been promoted by the state-owned company, Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG). As of 2022, Tunisia is once again a surplus energy producer of crude oil. It remained a net importer of refined oil products, however. Tunisia produced 1.323 billion cubic meters of natural gas and imported 3.898 cubic meters in 2022.
Tunisian crude oil production peaked in the middle of the 1980s, when it reached 120,000 barrels per day. The decline in the known reserves has limited production; it had fallen to 75,000 barrels per day by 2005 and to an estimated 35,000 barrels per day by 2023. The Société Tunisienne des Industries de Raffinage (STIR) operates the Bizerte refinery, which has a capacity of 34,000 barrels per day.
Tunisia had estimated crude oil reserves of 425 million barrels in 2022. However, future Tunisian oil production will be able to maintain its present level only if more reserves are discovered. The same applies to natural gas reserves, which amounted to an estimated 65.129 billion cubic meters in 2022.
Foreign firms maintain a presence in the Tunisian oil and natural gas sectors. Since its establishment in 1972, the state-owned Enterprises Tunisienne d’Activités Petrolières (ETAP) has worked to attract foreign investment, and firms such as Italy’s Eni, the Netherlands’ Dutch Shell, the United Kingdom’s British Gas, and Austria’s OMW all hold significant interests in the country. British Gas is the major investor in the Tunisian energy sector and operates Miskar, the largest of the country’s natural gas fields, located 80 miles off the Gulf of Gabes.
Although the country meets its rising electricity demand (an estimated 19.061 billion kilowatt-hours in 2022) mainly through natural gas, there is an increasing interest in renewable energy sources. In 2009, the government began the Tunisian Solar Plan, which aimed to develop the production of electricity using solar and wind power. The country is also home to the Mediterranean Renewable Energy Center, which aims to encourage the use of renewable energy throughout North Africa. As of 2022, however, 96.9 percent of the installed generation capacity of 6.328 million kilowatt-hours was produced by thermal power plants, while solar and wind facilities each contributed 1.5 percent, and hydroelectricity accounted for 0.1 percent. In 2009, France agreed to help Tunisia build civil nuclear technology. The agreement led to the construction of the Sousse D Power Plant in Sousse, Tunisia, which has a total capacity of 443 megawatts.
Bibliography
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