A strategic partnership. Italy and Tunisia have embarked on a significant collaboration centred on the Elmed project, marking the first direct current electric connection between Europe and Africa.
- This ambitious initiative involves a 200-kilometre submarine cable designed to integrate renewable energy production across both continents.
- The Elmed project serves as a crucial component of Italy’s Mattei Plan, aimed at enhancing cooperation across the Mediterranean region.
Key details of the initiative. Italian grid operator Terna is collaborating with Tunisia’s Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG) to oversee the Elmed project.
- This partnership is poised to enhance cross-border energy flows, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and support theclean energy ambitions of both countries.
- The inauguration of the Terna Innovation Zone in Tunis further amplifies this commitment, providing a hub dedicated to innovation and the development of Tunisia’s energy sector.
Promoting growth and expertise. The Terna Innovation Zone aims to foster knowledge-sharing, research, and business growth within the renewable energy sector.
- It will leverage Italian expertise to create opportunities for local startups and innovators, serving as a training ground for engineers and technicians.
- This initiative is crucial for strengthening the workforce and promoting technology adoption in Tunisia’s energy landscape.
A green bridge to Europe. The Elmed partnership aligns with Italy’s broader strategy to establish itself as a leader in Mediterranean energy cooperation.
- Collaborating with Tunisia and other North African nations, Rome is positioning itself at the forefront of initiatives such as the South H2 Corridor, a project dedicated to transporting green hydrogen from North Africa to Europe over a 3,300-kilometre route.
- This corridor is expected to deliver four million tons of hydrogen annually by 2030, contributing significantly to the EU’s clean energy targets.
Voices of support. Terna CEO Giuseppina Di Foggia highlighted the initiative’s potential during the launch event, stating, “This initiative integrates innovation, training, and cooperation to build a sustainable energy future in partnership with Tunisia.”
- Italian Environment Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin also affirmed Italy’s commitment, stating, “Italy will continue to support Africa’s energy transition, consolidating our role as a strategic partner in the Mediterranean.”
Building Mediterranean leadership. The Italian government’s renewed engagement with Africa through projects like Elmed underscores the strategic importance of the Mediterranean as a bridge for energy and economic collaboration.
- Initiatives such as the Mattei Plan reflect Italy’s ambition to become a central hub for green energy within the EU’s supply chain while supporting the growth and stability of its partner nations.
Looking ahead. The Terna Innovation Zone is set to host a series of programmes aimed at accelerating the growth of Tunisian startups, including a call for new ventures in February.
- Over the long term, the hub aims to strengthen industrial and technological partnerships across the region, reinforcing energy security and innovation on a continental scale.
