Self-generation is a major axis in Tunisian energy transition policy and contributes to the diversification of the energy mix. Self-generation is destined to play an important role in achieving the objectives of power generation from renewable energy sources.
Electricity self-generation is possible for any local authority and public or private establishment that is connected to the national electricity network at Medium or High Voltage (MT-HT). This is mainly relevant for organizations active in the industrial, agricultural or service sectors. Any such bodies may file a request with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Energy Transition (Ministère de l’Énergie des Mines et de la Transition Énergétique) to install the equipment necessary for MT-HT self-generation. This will need to be approved by an agreement with the Ministry.
The self-generation programme allows for the use of two options:
- On-site projects, without transmission of electricity through the grid;
- Projects on remote sites, with electricity transmission through the grid.
Projects without Transmission through the Grid
This type of project allows participating bodies to install their power generation unit directly on the premises of their activities. Since the power generated is consumed on site, such installations form a closed circuit, and transmission through the national grid is not required. Nevertheless, excess generation can usually be fed into the grid.
Excess power generation fed into the grid from the renewable generator, is recorded and invoiced monthly by STEG (Société Tunisienne de l'Électricité et du Gaz). The contractual relations between the self-generator and STEG are defined in the contract, “For the transmission of electrical energy produced from renewable energy installations connected to the HT-MT network and purchase of the surplus by STEG.” This surplus purchase contract is valid for a period of 20 years, after which, it is automatically renewable for subsequent periods of 1 year, unless terminated by either one of the parties.
Projects with Transmission through the Grid
This type of project allows the self-generator to install her or his production unit on a remote site, far from that of his primary activity.
The transmission of electricity from the point of generation to the point of consumption must necessarily pass along the national grid. Any surpluses generated but not consumed by the project, are fed directly into the grid.
Such surpluses are invoiced monthly by STEG as the sum of the current fed into the network over each hourly segment, multiplied by the tariff for the corresponding segment.
The terms and conditions for pricing surpluses are similar to those for self-generation without transmission. However, in the case of a project with electricity transmission, the transmission of electricity from the place of generation to the place of consumption is also taken into account, and the generator is invoiced by STEG for the use of its network. Charges on this tariff however, will only apply to the amount of electricity consumed by the generator – not to any surplus.
Quantity of KWp agreed
A pre-qualification call for tenders was launched on 23 May 2018 for the construction of five solar PV plants with a total capacity of 500 MW. The installation of these plants was to be made on land belonging to the State in the governorates of Sidi Bouzid (50 MW), Tozeur (50 MW), Kairouan (100 MW), Gafsa (100 MW) and Tataouine (200 MW).
Sixteen developers were pre-qualified to participate in the subsequent call for tenders, which eventually saw the submission of six bids. The prices accepted for the sale of electricity to STEG in these bids range from US$25.12 to US$49.21 per MWh. The following table summarizes the sizes and locations of the projects granted under the concession:
Developer |
Site |
Capacity (MWp) |
SCATEC SOLAR |
Sidi Bouzid |
50 |
SCATEC SOLAR |
Tozeur |
50 |
ENGIE/NAREVA |
Gafsa |
100 |
TBEA/AMEA |
Kairouan |
100 |
SCATEC SOLAR |
Tataouine |
200 |
The first round of calls for solar PV projects was launched in May 2017 and aimed at setting up plants with a capacity of 70 MWp. The application selection process envisaged granting preliminary agreement for six solar PV projects each with a capacity of 10 MWp, but only four projects with a capacity of 1 MWp were put forward (out of a total of 10 such projects, planned for the round).
In May 2018, the ministry in charge of energy launched a second round of calls for solar PV projects with an overall capacity identical to that of the first round (70 MWp). The results of this round, for the six projects of 10 MWp, were made public on March 19th, 2019 and for the projects of 1 MWp, on April 24th, 2019.
A third round, aimed at establishing a capacity of 70 MWp was launched in July 2019.
The following table summarizes the results of the first two rounds:
Projects of 10 MWp |
|
First Round |
Second Round |
Number of Projects submitted |
37 |
22 |
|
Projects selected |
6 |
6 |
|
Locations of the projects (governorates) |
Sidi Bouzid (2), Sfax (1), Kasserine (1), Kairoun (1), Tataouine (1) |
Sidi Bouzid (3), Gabès (2), Beja (1) |
|
|
|
|
|
Projects of 1MWp |
Number of Projects submitted |
22 |
21 |
Projects selected |
4 |
10 |
|
Locations of the projects (governorates) |
Tataouine (1), Beja (1), Gafsa (1), Sousse (1) |
Gabès (4), Tataouine (1), Sidi Bouzid (1), Beja (1), Sfax (1), Sousse (1), Kébili (1) |
|
|
|
|
Read also
-
27.08.2021
-
27.08.2021