2023-10-27 09:40:20
The “Elmed” project, an energy interconnection between Italy and Tunisia, is positioned as a crucial milestone for the energy future of these two nations. This cross-border connection not only ensures a reliable energy supply, it also opens the door to exploiting the region’s renewable energy resources, while symbolizing unprecedented cooperation between two continents.
The “Elmed” project stands out as a major milestone, giving Italy and Tunisia a central role in the production and distribution of electricity within the Euro-Mediterranean area. This interconnection, much more than just infrastructure, embodies an energy vision focused on security, sustainability and renewable energies. It not only unites the networks of Europe and North Africa, but also symbolizes cooperation between continents. This is, in a few words, the observation made by Ameur Bchir, former CEO of Steg, co-founder of the Tunisian-Italian electrical interconnection company, “Elmed”, during his intervention in a panel on “Opportunities for a renewed Euro-Mediterranean partnership”, held within the framework of the 25e session of the International Forum of Realities.
An energy bridge between Italy and Tunisia
The unification of the electricity infrastructures of Italy and Tunisia creates an unprecedented synergy. This energy interconnection promises to guarantee reliable supply while encouraging eco-responsible solutions through the exploitation of available renewable energy resources. “Elmed” transcends the simple technological aspect to become a symbol of cooperation, promoting energy exchanges, knowledge sharing, and market integration. This is a decisive step towards a future where clean and sustainable energy transcends borders for the benefit of all.
“The “Elmed” initiative, funded by the European Union, represents a significant milestone in the energy sector and is undoubtedly one of the most important industrial projects in the region. It is the fruit of a deeply rooted cooperation between Tunisia and the European Union, the beginnings of which date back more than three decades, in 1989,” underlined Bchir.
A reality in the making
The project evolved over time from a coal-fired power plant to an electrical interconnection. The initial investment of 2,400 MW was reduced to 600 MW for profitability reasons. The funding from the European Union and the World Bank is the result of many years of hard work and constant evolution of the project.
“The “Elmed” interconnection, a 600 MW submarine cable linking the Tunisian and Italian electricity networks, represents an investment estimated at around 840 million euros. The project is currently being implemented and should strengthen Tunisia’s energy security, even opening the door to the export of energy to the European market,” said the former CEO of Steg.
He added that in 2019, an intergovernmental agreement was signed between Italy and Tunisia, confirming the strategic importance of the project. The feasibility studies, financed by the World Bank, are almost completed, and the implementation phase should begin soon.
“The European Union is playing a vital role in supporting this ambitious project, aiming to connect two nations by a 600 MW DC submarine cable. The funding from the European Union (a donation of 307 million euros) is a first for a non-European project, reflecting the credibility and transparency of the project,” he further clarified.
An energy future working
It should be noted that the “Elmed” project is about to become a concrete reality, thus contributing to the energy interconnection between Tunisia and Italy. This major breakthrough promises to strengthen the energy security of the two nations, facilitate real-time trade and promote the emergence of greener energy.
Concretely, the “Elmed” project consists of a series of works necessary for interconnection, including alternating and direct current conversion stations, a 200 km submarine cable, landing points in the two countries, underground cable links, telecommunication system, Hvdc monitoring system and fault detection system.
In Tunisia, key works will include a 400 kV power line over a length of 65 km, another 400 kV line of 51 km, as well as the reinforcement of the existing network. The entire project is estimated at around 1.5 billion euros, shared equally between Italy and Tunisia.
The implementation phase of the project is expected to extend until June 2028, the planned date for its commissioning.
The tender procedures will comply with European regulations, which reinforces the credibility and transparency of the entire project.
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