Tunisia Energy Profile 2012

Mineral Production

Petroleum is the country's most valuable mineral resource. Some of the petroleum comes from the south, but most comes from offshore wells, especially in the Gulf of Gabès. Also mined are phosphates, of which Tunisia is one of the world's largest producers.The preponderance of the electricity used in Tunisia is produced locally, by stateowned company STEG (Société Tunisienne de l´Electricité et du Gaz). In 2008 a total of 13 747 GHW was produced in the country.

Oil and gas

Oil production began in 1966 in Tunisia. at present there are 12 oil fields. Below is a list of the oil fields:

* 7 November oil field
* Ashtart field
* Bouri field
* El Biban field
* Ezzaouia field
* El Menzah field
* Belli field
* Cercina field
* El Borma field
* Miskar field
* Tazarka field

Nuclear energy

Tunisia is on the lane of installing two nuclear powerplants within a 10 year period. Each one of these is projected at producing 900-1000 MW. In its effort to obtain nuclear energy, France is set to become an important partner. Tunisia and France have inked agreements, where France will transport training and know-how amongst others.

Desertec project

The Desertec project is a large-scale energy project aimed at installing solar power panels in, and a grid connecting North Africa and Europe. Tunisia will be a part of this plan, but precisely how it may advantage from it remains to be seen.

Desertec is a idea for production use of solar energy and wind energy in the deserts in North Africa and Middle East planned by the Desertec Foundation. This concept will be implemented by the consortium DII GmbH/ Desertec Industrial Initiative formed by a group of European companies and the Desertec Foundation. The Desertec concept was initiated under the auspices of the Club of Rome and the German Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC).

Under the suggestion, concentrating solar power systems, PV systems and wind parks would be situated on 6,500 square miles (17,000 km2) in the Sahara Desert. Produced electricity would be transmitted to European and African countries by a super grid of high-voltage direct current cables.

It would provide continental Europe with 15% of its electricity.By 2050, investments into solar plants and transmission lines would be total €400 billion.The accurate plan, including technical and financial requirements, will be designed by 2012.