Tunisia took a significant step towards its green hydrogen future by signing six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) under the supervision of Industry Minister Fatima Thabet Chiboub.
The event was attended by key figures, including the President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, and representatives from international energy companies.
The agreements aim to foster collaboration with several prominent global firms including British-Maltese consortium TUNUR, Aker Horizons from Norway, and Verbund, Savannah Energy, Hydrogen de France, French company Amarenco and Jordanian company H2 Global. Also it includes Belgian company DEME Hyport and German Abo Energy.
Tunisia’s strategy outlines an ambitious goal of producing 8.3 million tons of green hydrogen and its derivatives by 2050. Of this, 2.3 million tons are earmarked for domestic use, while 6 million tons are intended for export. The total investment required to achieve this target is estimated at nearly 120 billion euros. The plan envisions leveraging Tunisia’s existing industrial and energy infrastructure and its strategic geographic position.
Institutional Development
A critical component of this strategy is the creation of an advanced institutional framework to support the green hydrogen sector. This includes developing national competencies and expertise to strengthen Tunisia’s industrial base.
Producing 8.3 million tons of green hydrogen by 2050 is an ambitious target. Current global production of green hydrogen is limited, and scaling up to this level will require significant advancements in technology and infrastructure. Tunisia will need to address several challenges, including ensuring a stable supply of renewable energy, developing efficient electrolysis technologies, and building the necessary storage and transportation infrastructure.
The estimated investment of 120 billion euros is substantial. Attracting this level of investment will require a clear and stable regulatory framework, as well as incentives for both domestic and international investors. Tunisia’s ability to secure funding will depend on the perceived stability and profitability of its green hydrogen sector.
When compared to global benchmarks, Tunisia’s targets are ambitious but not unprecedented. For instance, the European Union has set a target of producing 10 million tons of green hydrogen by 2030. Tunisia’s goals, while aligning with global trends, will require significant effort to meet the high standards set by leading hydrogen economies.
