Supporting smart grids to improve energy performance

The smart grid project of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) is one of the priorities of Tunisia’s energy and climate policy. The aim of this strategy is for the country to reduce its dependence on natural gas imports by improving the efficiency of its power system and demand management. Another priority is also to promote renewable energies in its electricity mix to achieve 12% in 2020, then 30% by 2030.

By setting out on the path towards the energy transition, Tunisia also wishes to fulfil the commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 41% by 2030, compared to 2010. The contribution of the energy sector accounts for 75% of this national effort.

The smart grid project is allowing STEG to improve its technical and economic performance and integrate an increasing proportion of renewable energies which will largely be generated by the private sector. The project has two major technical components:

• The installation of smart metering infrastructure for medium and low voltage electricity and low pressure gas,
• Information systems linked to the smart metering infrastructure, a client information system and a geographical information system (GIS).

A technical assistance component is helping STEG with the aspects concerning procurement, monitoring the project implementation, training and capacity building for the teams, monitoring/evaluation and change management.

The project is improving the operator’s operational and financial performance. It is also contributing to digitizing some of STEG’s services and infrastructure, while improving energy efficiency and demand management.

The integration of renewable energies into the electricity mix and reduction of losses will lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions. The project is also transforming certain activities, in particular the meter reading and collection sectors, as well as aspects concerning security and jobs for women.