The World Bank, in collaboration with Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy (MIME), has announced the need for a technical study for a substantial 350-400 MWp solar project integrated with battery storage (BESS).

This initiative underscores Tunisia’s strong dedication to achieving its energy transition goals and proactively tackling its increasing energy deficit. This search for expert consultants marks a vital step in realising this ambitious project, with the Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline set for March 24.

Read also: Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation shortlists 16 entries from seven nations

Tunisia’s energy deficit spurs the drive for solar and storage expertise

Faced with a significant challenge, Tunisia’s energy deficit soars to 57 percent in 2023, a dramatic increase from just seven percent in 2010. This growing dependence on energy imports seriously threatens the nation’s energy security. To counteract this alarming situation, Tunisia has committed to an energy transition policy focused on establishing an efficient and diversified energy system that is less reliant on fossil fuels. 

The country has set an ambitious goal to integrate 35 percent of renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this, Tunisia is actively encouraging private sector involvement in renewable energy development through various investment regimes such as concession, authorisation, and self-production. This call for consultants is a direct action to support this ambitious target, specifically for a large-scale solar and storage project.

The consultant’s mission will define the optimal solar and BESS configuration

The primary objective of this mission is for the selected consultant to assess the best functioning and functionalities of the BESS when combined with the 350-400 MWp solar park. The World Bank is seeking this technical expertise to better inform the Tunisian government in the procurement of future solar park projects. 

The consultant’s work will involve providing recommendations on the optimal configuration of both solar and storage technologies, including their type and capacity. This will involve a detailed analysis of the state-of-the-art technologies, simulations of the optimal BESS operation (including peak shaving, smoothing, and peak shifting) using historical solar data, and a thorough site assessment.

Read also: Baobab Nigeria lent N500 billion to MSMEs to drive financial inclusion

Expected deliverables will shape the future of Tunisian renewables

The appointed consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive scope of work, leading to several key deliverables. These include an inception report detailing the methodology and timeline, a detailed analysis of technology scenarios considering CAPEX, OPEX, and LCOE, simulation reports on BESS operation and functionalities, including the transfer of simulation tools and training, a thorough site assessment report evaluating the suitability of the proposed site, a comprehensive technical analysis recommending optimal plant configurations and grid connection points, a grid impact assessment in collaboration with the state-owned operator (STEG), an economic and financial analysis evaluating the project’s viability including sensitivity analyses, and a final engineering study report consolidating all findings.

Furthermore, the consultant is expected to provide capacity building to the client’s team through training programs and a knowledge transfer mission abroad. This crucial engagement of consultants will lay the groundwork for a significant advancement in Tunisia’s renewable energy capacity.