Tunisia has taken a major step toward strengthening its electricity system by launching its first competitive tender for battery energy storage systems. The initiative has been introduced by the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy as part of the country’s broader strategy to modernize its national power grid and accelerate renewable energy adoption. The move reflects Tunisia’s growing focus on reducing its dependence on imported natural gas and limiting exposure to fluctuating fossil fuel prices.
The government plans to use energy storage technology to better manage electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind. These energy sources are clean and abundant in Tunisia, but they are also intermittent. Solar power generation, for example, reaches its peak during daylight hours when sunlight is strongest. However, electricity demand in homes and businesses often increases during the evening, creating a mismatch between supply and demand.
Battery energy storage systems can help solve this challenge. These systems store excess electricity produced during periods of high renewable generation and release it later when demand increases. This process, commonly known as peak shaving, allows the power system to remain balanced. By storing surplus energy and supplying it during high-demand periods, batteries can improve grid stability and reduce the risk of power shortages or outages.
Through the newly announced tender, Tunisia aims to attract experienced international developers and investors specializing in large-scale energy infrastructure. The government is opening the project to competitive bidding in order to secure advanced technologies at competitive costs. Selected companies will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing, and operating the battery storage facilities. These systems are expected to be installed in locations that support the country’s existing high-voltage transmission network.
The initiative also supports Tunisia’s long-term climate and energy objectives. The national energy strategy aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s electricity mix to 35 percent by the end of this decade. At present, the growth of renewable projects has been limited due to technical challenges in managing sudden fluctuations in electricity generation. Large-scale battery storage will help overcome these limitations and enable greater integration of solar and wind power into the grid.
In addition to strengthening energy security, the project is expected to create new economic opportunities. The development and operation of battery storage facilities could generate technical employment and encourage the growth of local expertise in advanced energy technologies. By launching this tender, Tunisia is positioning itself as an emerging hub for energy storage development in North Africa while signaling its commitment to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
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