MENALINKS report highlights battery storage as key pillar of Tunisia’s energy transition

Battery storage as a strategic enabler for Tunisia

Tunisia has anchored the energy transition at the core of its national development strategy, with the objective of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, improving energy security and advancing decarbonisation. According to national targets, the share of renewables in electricity generation is expected to increase from around 5% today to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035.

As renewable penetration rises, system flexibility becomes increasingly important. The MENALINKS Vision Report identifies BESS as a key technology to address frequency and voltage fluctuations, congestion challenges and reduced system inertia.

Strong commitment from national stakeholders

The report reflects a shared vision among Tunisia’s key energy institutions. The Ministry of Industry, Mining and Energy (MIME) provides strategic direction for the energy transition and has identified BESS as a priority technology for integrating higher shares of renewables into the power system. STEG, as the national electricity system operator, highlighted the operational need for fast-responding flexibility solutions to maintain grid stability. ANME emphasised the role of storage in linking renewable generation with energy efficiency and demand-side measures.

Abdelhamid Khalfallah, Director of the Energy Transition at the Ministry of Industry, Mining and Energy, stated: “Battery energy storage systems are a strategic technological lever for improving grid flexibility, strengthening the stability of the electricity system and optimising the balance between electricity supply and demand.”

MENALINKS support: from vision to implementation

Since September 2024, MENALINKS has been supporting Tunisian stakeholders through a comprehensive needs assessment covering regulatory, technical, financial and capacity-building aspects of BESS deployment. The programme provides technical analysis on grid needs and storage use cases, regulatory benchmarking to inform future framework development, and economic assessments to improve the bankability of BESS projects.

In addition, MENALINKS facilitates targeted trainings, study trips and international exchanges to strengthen institutional capacities and promote knowledge transfer. Upcoming activities include contributions to future BESS grid code provisions and the development of a national BESS roadmap.

The MENALINKS Vision Report confirms that Battery Energy Storage Systems will play a central role in Tunisia’s path toward a resilient, low carbon power system. By combining technical insight, regulatory analysis and economic assessment, the report provides a shared reference point for policymakers, system operators and market actors. Building on this vision, MENALINKS will continue to support Tunisia in translating strategic ambition into concrete action for large scale renewable integration.