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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ณ Tunisia /Energy & Infrastructure

Tunisia's airports transition to solar power

From La Presse · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Tunisia is installing a 4-megawatt solar power plant at Tozeur-Nefta International Airport.
  • This project is part of a national program to transition public institutions to renewable energy.
  • The initiative aims to enhance energy independence and promote sustainable air travel.

Tunisia is taking a significant step towards energy independence and sustainable infrastructure with the construction of a 4-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant at Tozeur-Nefta International Airport. The contract for this project was signed recently, marking a key advancement in the country's strategy to integrate renewable energy into public facilities. This initiative is designed to reduce reliance on conventional electricity sources and bolster the nation's energy sovereignty.

The solar plant is a component of a broader national program focused on energy transition within public institutions, spearheaded by the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME). The program's objectives include widespread adoption of renewable energy and lowering energy expenditures for government structures. Officials from ANME and the Office of Civil Aviation and Airports were present at the signing ceremony, alongside representatives from the company undertaking the project.

This is a qualitative turning point in energy production within public institutions.

โ€” Nafรขa BaccariThe Director General of the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME) described the significance of the solar power project.

This facility is recognized as one of the program's most substantial projects and represents the largest planned self-production unit for electricity within the public sector to date. ANME Director General Nafรขa Baccari described the initiative as a "qualitative turning point" in energy production for public institutions, emphasizing the need to adhere to project timelines. Habib Toumi, interim director general of the Office of Civil Aviation and Airports, stated that the installation will significantly cover the electricity needs of Tozeur-Nefta Airport and also benefit Djerba-Zarzis Airport.

The project is expected to improve the energy efficiency of airport infrastructure and decrease their dependence on the national power grid. Beyond its technical and economic benefits, it aligns with Tunisia's national strategy for energy transition and carbon emission reduction. By promoting clean energy use in strategic public infrastructure like airports, the project also contributes to sustainable development goals.

This installation will cover a significant part of the electricity needs of Tozeur-Nefta airport, as well as Djerba-Zarzis airport.

โ€” Habib ToumiThe interim Director General of the Office of Civil Aviation and Airports highlighted the expected impact of the solar plant on airport energy consumption.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Presse in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.