Tunisia needs to gradually add approximately 3,000 megawatts to its power system and modernise its grid to reduce the risk of further strain during the summer months, according to energy expert Youssef Chebil.
The country’s domestic power generation capacity is estimated at around 4,000 megawatts, while peak demand can reach between 6,500 and 7,000 megawatts. These figures are estimates provided by expert Youssef Chebil and do not represent an up-to-date audit by the state-owned
utility.
A 1,000-megawatt combined-cycle power plant would require an investment of between three and four billion dinars – roughly €887 million to €1.18 billion.
Modernising the electricity transmission infrastructure could require a similar level of investment.
Chebil believes that the summer of 2027 could remain challenging, as administrative procedures, equipment procurement, and logistics require at least nine to ten months. Floating power plants could provide interim capacity, but their cost would likely limit their use to emergency situations.
The expert also advocates for reducing peak demand, reinforcing medium-voltage industrial grids, and developing decentralised renewable energy generation coupled with storage systems.
Smart grids would enable better management of consumption and help minimise certain losses.
Simply adding power plants will not suffice if transmission lines and substations remain unable to deliver the electricity.
The immediate priority is to publish an investment roadmap detailing firm capacity, commissioning dates, financing arrangements, and the expected reduction in load shedding.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA