Electricity in Tunisia in 2024
As of 2024, Tunisia's electricity consumption relies heavily on fossil fuels, with more than four-fifths of its electricity being generated from such sources. The majority of this fossil-based electricity is derived from gas, which accounts for almost the entirety of the fossil fuel share. There is a small but noteworthy contribution from net imports, which make up over a tenth of the electricity mix. Meanwhile, low-carbon energy sources contribute a minimal portion, with a combined share of about 3.5%. Solar power accounts for just over 2% of the electricity generation, while wind contributes a bit more than 1%. This limited share of low-carbon energy indicates that Tunisia has significant room for progress in transitioning towards cleaner energy sources.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Tunisia?
Despite the urgent need for expansion, the growth of electricity consumption in Tunisia is not on an upward trend. The latest data for 2024 shows electricity consumption at 1899 kWh per person, which marks a decrease compared to the previous high point of 1979 kWh per person in 2022. Even more concerning is the slight decline in low-carbon electricity generation, which stands at 68 kWh per person, down from 69 kWh per person in 2023. These decreases suggest that Tunisia is not only falling short in meeting its electricity needs but is also struggling to increase its share of clean energy, which is crucial for mitigating climate change and reducing pollution.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Tunisia can take inspiration from successful regions around the world. Countries like France and Slovakia showcase the immense potential of nuclear power, each generating over 65% of their electricity in this manner. This mirrors an opportunity for Tunisia to consider nuclear energy as a sustainable solution. Furthermore, Tunisia can also draw lessons from solar champions, such as Lebanon and California, which generate around 30% of their electricity from solar power. By investing in these technologies, Tunisia can significantly increase its clean electricity production, meeting future demand and contributing to global sustainable energy efforts.
History
In examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Tunisia, the data reveals a gradual yet uneven progress. During the late 1980s and early 2000s, the country's hydroelectric power showed modest growth, though there were occasional drops. Notably, wind energy began contributing from 2009, with some increase into the early 2010s. Solar energy made its entry in 2021, with a small but positive growth trajectory observed up to 2023. However, the past few years have shown declines in wind energy, signaling a need for more robust and diversified investments in alternative clean energy sources. These historical trends indicate the necessity for Tunisia to intensify its efforts towards expanding clean electricity generation, particularly by emphasizing nuclear and solar power advancements.
