Tunisia Launches 'CHEMS' Project to Boost Solar Power for SMEs

Tunisia has officially launched the "CHEMS" project, a solar energy initiative designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their transition to renewable energy. The program, backed by funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), aims to accelerate the nation's energy transition and encourage private sector investment in renewable energy sources.

The launch event in Tunis brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministries of Industry, Mines and Energy, and Economy and Planning, alongside officials from the AfDB, the Tunisian electricity company (STEG), the Banking and Financial Council, and the Tunisian Guarantee Company (SOTUGAR). Financial institutions, SME leaders, consulting firms, solar sector companies, and technical partners also attended.

“

CHEMS project aims to establish a financial support mechanism dedicated to photovoltaic electricity self-consumption for SMEs.

Nafaâ Baccari, Director General of the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), explained that the "CHEMS" project will create a dedicated financial support mechanism for SMEs to adopt photovoltaic self-consumption. This initiative is expected to directly contribute to improving energy efficiency and boosting the competitiveness of Tunisia's economy. The ANME stated that the launch workshop detailed the project's components, implementation timeline, financing tools, and the coordination required among public structures, funders, and financial institutions for optimal deployment.

“

This initiative will directly contribute to strengthening energy efficiency while stimulating the competitiveness of the national economic fabric.