Italy and Tunisia Launch Project to Integrate Energy Markets

As part of strengthening the regional cooperation in transitioning to clean energy between Europe and Africa, Italy and Tunisia have launched ELMED Project, the first direct electricity connection project linking the two continents in the field of renewable energy.

This project, is being implemented by Italy’s Terna and the Tunisian company STEG, and represents a qualitative leap in the integration of energy markets.

ELMED is an energy bridge between Italy and Tunisia and the result of synergies and cooperation between Terna and STEG, the companies managing the electricity grids of the two countries, ELMED will be the first direct current connection between both continents.

The bi-directional power exchange will bring important benefits for electricity and the environment and the power line will run from the electrical substation at Partanna (Trapani) to the substation at Mlaabi (Menzel Temime) on the Tunisian peninsula of Capo Bon, for a total length of 220 km, 200 of which is undersea cable.

It will have a capacity of 600 MW and a maximum depth of approximately 800 meters, along the Strait of Sicily. The project has seen an unprecedented effort in terms of planning and coordination between the electricity operators, authorities, banks and local communities.

The objective of ELMED is to deliver a safer, more sustainable and more resilient supply of power while increasing the exchange of electricity generated from renewable sources which are driving the investment in clean generation systems.

The project is a vital element of Italy’s Mattei plan to strengthen strategic partnerships in the Mediterranean and aims to integrate renewable energy production between the two continents and improve cross-border energy flows. It also contributes to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the two countries’ efforts to achieve clean energy goals.

Terna Innovation Zone

Coinciding with the launch of ELMED project, Terna has opened Terna Innovation Zone in Tunis and this hub is a platform for innovation and development of the energy sector in Tunisia. It will also promote knowledge exchange, research and business growth in the renewable energy sector.

It will also provide opportunities for local start-ups and innovators in both countries and will contribute to the training of engineers and technicians, strengthening the workforce in the Tunisian energy sector.

In addition to ELMED project, Italy is working on other ambitious projects, such as the Southern H2 Corridor, which aims to transport green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe.

Terna CEO Giuseppina Di Foggia said that this initiative brings together innovation, training and collaboration to build a sustainable energy future in partnership with Tunisia.

Italian Environment Minister Gilberto Piccito Frattini stressed that his country will continue to support the energy transition in Africa and strengthen Italy’s role as a strategic partner in the Mediterranean region.

This is Terna’s second global Innovation Zone, following the innovation outpost located in San Francisco.

The US-based Innovation Zone is dedicated to scouting technological solutions, supporting the growth of Italian start-ups in the Silicon Valley, the cradle of technology. It also deals with generating leads and strategic partnerships with all stakeholders, such as companies, large investment funds, universities and research centres, active in the most important innovation ecosystem worldwide.