The fourth International Energy Transition Fair (SITE 2026) opened today in Tunis, spotlighting Tunisia’s urgent shift from climate goal to energy security imperative. Running until Saturday at UTICA headquarters, the fair draws over 60 companies, a dozen startups, and delegations from Italy, Germany, and Libya under the theme “Investing and innovating to accelerate the energy transition.”
Energy Deficit Weighs on Public Finances
Tunisia’s energy trade deficit hit 8.93 billion dinars (€2.65 billion) in the first eight months of 2026, up nearly 25% year-on-year. The primary energy deficit reached 6.3 million tonnes of oil equivalent—about 65% of national needs. Secretary of State for Energy Transition Wael Chouchane stressed the sector must shift from a budget burden to a growth driver.
Renewable Targets and Progress
Tunisia aims for 35% renewable electricity by 2030, 50% by 2035, and 80% by 2050. Installed solar capacity reached ~630 MW by June 2026, with renewables at 9.2% of generation. ANME’s Imed Landolsi called the 2030 target achievable given Tunisia’s 3,000+ annual solar irradiation hours.
Storage, Grids, and the Elmed Project
SITE 2026 focuses on battery storage—estimated at 3,000 MWh for industrial use—smart grids, and demand management. The €840 million Elmed interconnection with Sicily (600 MW) advances with a €770 million converter station contract awarded to Hitachi Energy. The EU granted €35.8 million for clean energy projects, including 400 MW of solar in Sidi Bouzid and Gafsa.
Six international conferences will address solar deployment, electric mobility, carbon tax, green hydrogen, and more, with B2B meetings aimed at turning potential into financeable projects.
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