Supporting Smart Grids Tender

Tunisia is transforming its energy system and developing renewable energies. AFD is helping it with this transition by assisting the local operators smart grid project with the deployment of grid infrastructure and smart metering in the Sfax region.CONTEXTThe smart grid project of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company STEG is one of the priorities of Tunisias 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.DESCRIPTIONThe 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 componentsThe installation of smart metering infrastructure for medium and low voltage electricity and low pressure gasInformation 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 monitoringevaluation and change management.IMPACTSThe project is improving the operators operational and financial performance. It is also contributing to digitizing some of STEGs 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.