[21] GIZ, Enabling PV
Electricity
Installed Capacity and Generation
The installed capacity was of 4,799 MW in 2014[22] ‒ with the biggest share (4,492 MW/94%) provided by natural gas fired thermal power stations. The 6% left are divided between hydroelectric power (62 MW as of 2014) and wind generating plants (245 MW as of 2014[23]). Electricity is generated almost exclusively from combustible fossil fuels: 93 % natural gas, 7 % heavy fuel and a tiny share left to renewables (3% in 2013[24]).
In 2014, the state-owned company, STEG, remained the major electricity producer, supplying 86% of the demand, followed by an IPP, CPC (Carthage Power Company) which produced 10% of the consumed electricity. The last 4% are produced by small scale producers for their own needs (e.g. industries).
Installed power plant capacity in MW (excluding small scale PV)[25]
|
Type of Power Plant
|
2013
|
2014*
|
Share 2014 (%)
|
|
Thermal (steam) power plant
|
1.040
|
1.040
|
24
|
|
Combined-cycle gas turbine
|
789
|
1.209
|
28
|
|
Gas turbine
|
1.772
|
1.779
|
41
|
|
Hydropower
|
62
|
62
|
1
|
|
Wind power
|
245
|
245
|
6
|
|
STEG total
|
3.908
|
4.335
|
100
|
|
IPPs
|
471
|
471
|
-
|
|
Total capacity, national
|
4.379
|
4.806
|
-
|
(*)Data not yet officially published
Consumption
In Tunisia the industrial sector is the largest energy consumer (see beneath).
|
Electricity consumption of individual sectors in 2013[26]
|
|
|
|
|
GWh
|
%
|
|
Industry
|
4,909
|
63
|
|
Transport & communication
|
311
|
4
|
|
Tourism
|
567
|
7
|
|
Service
|
891
|
11
|
|
Agricultural pump sets
|
556
|
7
|
|
Pumping stations (water, sanitation service)
|
563
|
7
|
|
'Total'1
|
7,797
|
100
|
1Total may not add up due to rounding.
The gas consumption has marked a steep increase (5,344 Ktep in 2013) and 72.5% of its production is used for electricity consumption, 7.1% for the industry sector and 20% for the residential and tertiary sectors.
Grid
STEG controls the Tunisian grid and holds a monopoly on electricity transportation and distribution. The grid has three voltages: high (225 kV), medium (150 kV) and low (90 kV). 99.5% of the households have had an access to electricity since 2006.
The transmission grid is connected to the Algerian grid and, on its Eastern end, to Libya. Regional grid synchronization tests with the participation of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt have been carried out but failed so far due to frequent synchronization issues with the Egyptian grid. Furthermore, a 400 kV high voltage sea cable with a capacity of 1,000 MW binding North Africa to Europe via Tunisia and Italy is currently discussed[27].
Grid losses are primarily due to maintenance or other incidents. Along with the prolonging of the transmission grid, losses have risen in 2012 it represented 2,735 GWh[28]. The growing economy of Tunisia and rise of living standards contributed to a significant increase in the electricity consumption leading to ever more often grid saturation. In addition, some power plants and facilities are out-dated and can no longer cope with the actual load of the network; hence, overload, losses and high voltage drops occur on a regular basis. To address these issues, the »Electricity Distribution Network Rehabilitation and Restructuring Project« has been launched, this should improve the reliability and safety of electricity distribution.
Electricity Prices
General low voltage as of February 2015. https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_bt.html
The Tunisian electricity tariff system is complex, subsidized and cross-subsidized. On the general low voltage, tariffs depend on the sector of the consumer (residential or non-residential) and the consumption per month in kWh. Tariffs are most heavily subsidized for households whose monthly consumption is below 50, 100 and 200 kWh. These households pay 0.075 TND [0.034 EUR], 0.108 TND [0.049 EUR] and 0.140 TND [0.064 EUR] for each kWh consumed. Households whose consumption surpasses 200 kWh per month have to pay 0.151 TND (0.069 €)/kWh for the first 200 kWh, 0.184 TND (0.084 €)/kWh for the following 100 kWh, 0.280 TND (0.13 €)/kWh for the following 200 kWh, and 0.350 TND (0.16 €) for each kWh above 500 kWh/month. Production costs are thus more than covered in the tranches 301-500 kWh/month and 500+ kWh/month.
Voltage level / medium voltage
https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_mt.html
There are three to four tariff slots depending on the sector and on the day time. Prices range from 0.088 TND/kWh (0.040 €) to 0.238 TND/kWh (0.109 €). The subsidies no longer apply to cement producers which have paid electricity to its real cost since 2014 (cheapest slot: 0.129 TND (0.059 €)/kWh, most expensive slot 0.311 TND (0.142€)/kWh).
Voltage level / High voltage https://www.steg.com.tn/fr/clients_ind/tarifs_ht.htmlThis represents a tiny share of the market, with only a handsome of subscribers. There are four tariff slots and prices range between 0.111 TND (0.051€)/kWh and 0.233 TND (0.106€)/kWh).
[22] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l’Industrie
[25] Bureau des statistiques, Ministère de l‘Industrie
[26] STEG, Rapport annuel 2013
Energy Policy
General Information
National energy policies are divided into four fundamental axes: (1) energy efficiency; (2) development of renewable energies; (3) exploration of conventional and unconventional resources; (4) and diversification of energy sources.
The results of the National Energy Debate that was carried out between June 2013 and June 2014 by the Ministry of Industry and Energy, reflect the countries energy strategy.
Exploration and exploitation of conventional and unconventional fossil resources are carried on in order to address the demand and limit importations. Generally speaking, diversity should help protecting Tunisia from the international prices volatility and reduce its import dependency.
As for unconventional resources, exploring shale gas potentials is an intensively discussed subject in Tunisia. Shale gas is seen as a potential solution to solve out the current energy deficit, a study carried out in 2011 highlighted the strong Tunisian potential for shale gas. Technical, ecological and economic feasibility must be deeper analysed: therefore, a feasibility study and a profitability analysis must be carried out in the foreseeable future. A first step was taken early 2015 with the launching of a large-scale Strategic Environment Assessment for unconventional fossil resources.
Nuclear power was regarded as possibly implementable in Tunisia, yet more and more cons have shown up along the way i.e. high investment costs, incompatibility with the current electric park and safety issues. The idea of developing nuclear in Tunisia was thus put aside.
The potential of coal as a mean of diversification is currently under investigation. At first, it seems to have some hard-hitting pros (e.g. low and stable cost, easy to import and widespread on earth). A feasibly study is still to be carried out, given the needed know-how and technology, coal may only be an option after 2024.
In order to reduce its dependency from Algerian gas, Tunisia needs to diversify its electric mix and extend its interconnections. A gas interconnection with Italy already exists (“Gazoduc”), currently being used to transport Algerian gas to Europe. However this interconnection may be used for imports in future. An electric interconnection with Italy with a 400 kV submarine cable is currently being considered. It may be used for import and export in the future: complementary daily and annual production and consumption profiles of North Africa and Europe can create synergies.
Furthermore, there is a strong need for institutional and budget reforms in the energy sector since the current situation drastically differs from the one 20 years ago. Some of its aspects such as subsidies have become a burden hindering a further development of the whole sector. In November 2014, the Industry Minister M. Ben Naceur called for a drastic reduction for the year 2015. Subsidies should decrease from 1.3 billion Euros (2.7 billion TND) to 0.9 billion Euros (1.96 billion TND) in order to use the saved money in investment projects[29]. In 2014, energy prices were raised by approximately 10% in total in order to reduce subsidies. By June 2014, electricity price subsidies for cement producers’ were completely phased out.
Forecasts from the ANME expected the consumption to double by 2030 without implementation of a comprehensive action, therefore energy efficiency should be further strengthened. Measures since 2000 have brought results: Tunisia has reduced its energy intensity by 20%[30].
[30] Brochure 30/30. Stratégie Nationale de maîtrise de l‘énergie. Objectifs, moyens et enjeux. GIZ, juin 2014.
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Renewable energy & energy efficiency policies
Strategies and Objectives for Renewable Energies
Energy efficiency and renewable energies have been important topics in major publication over the last decade. The law No. 2004-72 on the rational use of energy defines wise use of energy as a national priority and as the most important element of a sustainable development policy. It states three principal goals: energy saving, renewable energy promotion and creation of new forms of energy, that favour costs’ reduction as well as the National economy and the environment.
The Tunisian Solar Plan, a renewable energy development plan elaborated by the ANME but not officially adopted by parliament or government, foresees a 30% share of renewables in the electricity mix by 2030. This corresponds to an additional totally capacity of 3 GW and an overall investment of 4.75 billion euro.[33] Figure 3 shows the development goals by technology.
The Tunisian Solar Plan was updated in 2014, and a new update is planned for 2015.
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The National Energy Conservation Action Plan[34] consists of three phases: (1) awareness raising, first concrete and grass-root actions were taken under two programs, (2000-2013) that contributed to an annual decrease of 2% in energy intensity; (2) continued implementation and voluntary investment via the mobilization of industry, construction and transport (audits, cogeneration, lighting, household appliances, buildings, transport); (3) implementation of large scale projects in order to reach the 30-30 goals ‒ 30% of electricity shall be produced by renewable sources by 2030 ‒ (2020-2030).
The Action Plan also foresees an independent regulator in the electricity market.
Legal Conditions and Support Schemes for Renewable Energies
For more info, see https://energypedia.info/wiki/Analysis_of_the_Regulatory_Framework_for_Renewable_Energy_in_Tunisiav
Support schemes that promote the implementation of renewable energies and energy efficiency measures available in Tunisia are twofold: direct financial incentives and tax incentives. Capital subsidies and grants (allocated by the Energy Transition Fund FTE or the national utility STEG) are available. Support is also available for energy audits and implementation of energy efficiency measures. Tax incentives for energy conservation and renewable energy projects include customs tariff concessions for renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment, and VAT exemptions and concessions for locally manufactured products for energy efficiency or renewable energies[35]. However, regulatory conditions may change in 2015 since a new law on renewable energies is expected to be adopted by parliament before the summer 2015. It is meant to open the energy market to competition, including investors. This law entails three key aspects:
- A national Energy plan shall be designed within the next 5 years.
- 11 implementing rules shall be written within 6 months following the vote. They are mean to precise the following aspect of the law: procedures, creation and implementation of an independent regulator (structure and dutties).
The “feed-in tariffs” shall be determined by the Minister of Industry.
As of today electricity generation condition remain unchanged and are the following: STEG holds a monopoly in various areas of the electricity sector including transmission, distribution, marketing and the purchase and sale of electricity.
In terms of electricity generation, on the other hand, the regulatory and institutional framework governing electricity production has been opened up to the private sector. STEG no longer holds a monopoly in the strict sense of the term because the market is now open to:
1. Independent Power Producers (IPP);
Since it does not exclude any particular energy source, the IPP scheme (Law No. 96-27) can theoretically be transferred to renewable energies. In reality, however, only two (non-renewable) IPPs have been realized in Tunisia between 1996 (the adoption of the IPP scheme) and 2015[36]: Carthage Power Company (480 MW), Société d’El Bibane (SEEB, 27 MW).
2. Autoproduction/ Net Metering
This scheme is currently open only to producers whose principal activity is related to an existing industrial, agricultural or tertiary business. As such, it does not provide development opportunities for a third party developer with no link to the producer.
3. PROSOL Thermique
The PROSOL programme of 1995 realized 300 m2 solar water heaters (SWH) thanks to GEF (Global Environment Fund) funding. In 2004 the PROSOL programme was relaunched with the help of the Italian government and UNEP. It combines a tax incentive mechanism, an investment subsidy and a credit via STEG. The residential sector has seen very rapid growth in the installation of SWH installations (increasing from 12m²/10,000 inhabitants in 2004 to 40m²/10,000 inhabitants in 2010).[37]
4. PROSOL-ELEC<u>[38]</u>
PROSOL-ELEC is a promotion scheme for small-scale (1 or 2 kWp) photovoltaic installations inspired by the PROSOL programme.
PROSOL ELEC, which was launched in 2010, contributed to the installation of a total PV capacity of 6 MWp until 2014.[39]
[36] Cécile Cessac, Analyse du cadre réglementaire de l’accès au réseau des producteurs d’électricité à partir des énergies renouvelables en Tunisie.
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Key actors in the Energy Sector
Governmental Bodies and Agencies
DGE (Direction Générale de l’Energie, Directorate-General for Energy) is a sub-department of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines. It is designed to conceive, coordinate and implement the national energy policy and to draft energy action plans and energy management programs.
STEG (Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz, Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas) is the national energy producer, TSO and supplier. The STEG was created by law 62-8 in 1962[1].
ETAP (Entreprise Tunisienne des Activités Pétrolières, Tunisian Refining Industry Company). Created in 1972, this stated-owned company plans oil and gas explorations and manage this national gas and petroleum wealth[2].
ANME (Agence Nationale de la Maîtrise de l’Energie, National Agency for Energy Management). Created in 1985, this agency specialised in energy management supports the Industry Ministry along the energy transition[3].
AGIL (Société Nationale de Distribution des Pétroles, National Company of Oil Distribution) shares the oil distribution market with some private companies (s.a. Total, Shell, BP, etc.)[4].
Fond de Tranisition Energétique (Energy Transition Fund, FTE), until 2014 Fond National de Maîtrise de l’Energie (National Fund for Energy Management), created in 2005, it helps ANME to provide renewable projects with a financial support (among other subsidies)
STEG Energies Renouvelables, created in 2010, this is a branch of the Tunisian Company for Electricity and Gas fully devoted to renewable energies[5].
Utilities
STEG is the national utility, monopoly.
Others
Currently only two IPP generate electricity:
- Carthage Power Company (CPC): Radès II Power Station (natural gas fired plant, total capacity 480 MW) started operation in 2002 under the terms of a build own operate (BOO) agreement and by 2010 was responsible for 21% of national production.[6]
- Societe d’Electricite d’El Bibane (SEEB): Tunisia’s second IPP, two 13.5 MW gas turbines that went online in 2003.[7]
Energy Cooperation
Bilateral Energy Cooperation with Germany
See also: German-Tunisian Energy Partnership and DMS
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Further Information
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References
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