Tunisia’s power deficit could reach 2,800 MW in 2027
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Webdo
Illustrative image · Quang Nguyen Vinh · Pexels · Licence PexelsThe president of the National Chamber of Photovoltaic Equipment Installers and Maintainers, Ali Kenzari, told Express FM that Tunisia may not complete its power projects before summer 2027, as demand grows by 5% a year and installed capacity stands at 6,000 MW. He estimates the deficit could reach 2,800 MW in 2027, compared with 2,000 to 2,500 MW during peaks the previous year.
Tunisia could record an electricity deficit of 2,800 megawatts during peak consumption in 2027, compared with 2,000 to 2,500 MW last year, according to Ali Kenzari, president of the National Chamber of Photovoltaic Equipment Installers and Maintainers, quoted by Webdo.
National electricity demand is growing by 5% a year, which would require 300 MW of additional capacity from 2027 on the basis of estimated installed generation capacity of 6,000 MW, according to Ali Kenzari. He believes the timetable for the announced projects does not guarantee their commissioning before summer 2027.
The programme announced by the government in early November notably provides for an additional 300 MW of renewable energy, 300 MW of battery storage and 200 MW of gas engines, including 50 MW expected before summer 2027. It also includes a third 300 MW gas turbine at Borj El Amri.
Ali Kenzari believes Algeria is the main immediate recourse for securing Tunisia’s electricity supply. The agreement between the two countries provides for exchanges of up to 800 MW, a volume he considers insufficient to cover Tunisia’s needs during periods of high consumption, according to Webdo.
