Tunisia has finalised its renewable hydrogen strategy which revolves around pipeline exports to Europe.
The strategy's key points are in line with those outlined in a draft summary last year, but adds detail, including on domestic applications, development of a national pipeline system and potential financial incentives.
Tunisia aims for 320,000 t/yr of renewable hydrogen production by 2030, of which 300,000 t/yr would be exported to Europe via pipeline. Output could rise to 8.3mn t/yr by 2050 with 6.4mn t/yr exported (see table).
For domestic use, the focus would be on derivatives, specifically ammonia and methanol. Tunisia sees "strong potential in the short, medium and long term" for these derivatives to be used to refuel ships docking in the country. Domestically-made renewable ammonia could eventually also displace imported fertilisers, according to the strategy, which notes that Tunisia currently relies exclusively on imports.
A pilot project for renewable hydrogen production and conversion into ammonia is to be developed near the city of Gabes, with initial hydrogen output capacity envisaged at 220 t/yr.
There could be some scope for renewable hydrogen use in industrial processes too, while in the longer term, Tunisia could deploy it for heavy-duty road transport and in the aviation sector, according to the strategy.
Exports could be made to Europe via the existing Transmed pipeline to Italy if it were converted to at least partly carry hydrogen. But Tunisia would need to develop a national pipeline to transport hydrogen made in the south to the north coast. The strategy outlines three potential routes for this, including one involving offshore transport along the coast.
It also outlines plans to build desalination plants to enable seawater use for electrolysis, noting high water stress levels in the country.
The government estimates that overall investment required to realise its ambitions would amount to around €120bn ($130.5bn).
To entice developers, the country is mulling tax incentives, which could be modelled on those introduced elsewhere, such as in Egypt or Morocco, according to the strategy. Besides this, the government wants to introduce special economic zones where developers would find favourable conditions, including streamlined administrative processes.
A first large scale project for renewable hydrogen production was announced this week, with France's TotalEnergies and Austria's Verbund set to produce 200,000 t/yr in southern Tunisia for exports to Europe. If completed by 2030, this alone would provide two-thirds of the 300,000 t/yr envisaged for exports.
| Tunisia's renewable hydrogen targets | ||||
| 2030 | 2035 | 2040 | 2050 | |
| Renewable H2 production mn t/yr | 0.3 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 8.3 |
| For exports mn t/yr | 0.3 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 6.4 |
| For domestic use mn t/yr | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 1.9 |
| Installed electrolyser capacity GW | 3.9 | 12.9 | 23.3 | 86.8 |
| Installed renewable power capacity GW | 5.0 | 16.4 | 28.4 | 100.0 |
| - Ministry of industry, mines and energy | ||||
