Elyes Ben Ammar, a member of the General Union of Electricity and Gas, affiliated with the Tunisian General Labor Union (UGTT), has expressed several reservations about green hydrogen projects in Tunisia in an exclusive interview with African Manager.
Ben Ammar explained that these projects require large amounts of water and energy and could further exacerbate Tunisia’s energy deficit and water shortage.
He also pointed out that total electricity losses at the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) account for 20% of its total electricity production.
“The General Union of Electricity and Gas has several reservations about green hydrogen projects in Tunisia. These projects are particularly water- and energy-intensive in a country already suffering from an energy deficit and water shortages,” he said.
He added that, given the high cost of these projects, it would have been preferable to launch a national dialogue or consultation before approving them or formally adopting them.
Tunisia is currently being presented as one of the Mediterranean’s most promising locations for developing a regional green hydrogen production and export hub targeting the European market, capitalizing on its strategic geographical position and substantial renewable energy potential, he noted.
