Electricity: Will Borj El Amri's expansion secure Tunisia's supply?

Tunisia is bolstering its electricity production capacity to manage the escalating demand, particularly during the intense summer heatwaves. A key project in this effort is the extension of the Borj El Amri power plant in the Manouba governorate, intended to support the national electricity system.

The extension of the Borj El Amri-La Mornaguia plant is projected to cost approximately 600 million dinars, with operations slated to begin in 2027. This initiative aims to significantly increase the country's power generation capabilities. The existing plant currently has a capacity of 624 MW, with its second phase coming online in June 2020, bringing the total site capacity to 624 MW at a cost of around 660 million dinars.

This expansion is crucial for meeting peak consumption periods, where increased air conditioning use during heatwaves places immense pressure on the grid. Adnen Haddad, an energy efficiency expert, stressed that while boosting production is vital, it cannot be the sole solution. He advocates for accompanying investments in power plants with improvements in energy efficiency and demand management.

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Reinforcing production capacities remains necessary, but cannot be the sole response. Improving energy efficiency and managing demand must accompany investments in power plants.

Haddad noted that the issue extends beyond the sheer volume of electricity available. It also involves the country's ability to produce this power at a controlled cost and from a less vulnerable energy mix. Tunisia's significant dependence on natural gas for electricity generation remains a primary challenge, exposing the system to fluctuations in hydrocarbon availability and cost, especially as national gas production faces difficulties.

Diversifying energy sources is therefore a strategic imperative. Haddad suggests that developing solar energy, coupled with energy efficiency policies, could alleviate pressure on fossil fuel power plants. Measures like better building insulation, more efficient equipment, and reduced consumption during peak hours are also key levers for limiting demand without compromising essential needs. The project's overall effectiveness will also hinge on the efficiency of the transmission infrastructure.

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The problem thus goes beyond the sole question of the volume of electricity available. It also concerns the country's ability to produce this electricity at a controlled cost and from a less vulnerable energy mix.