Energy efficiency in Tunisian industry
Project descriptionTitle: Promoting innovative energy efficiency measures in Tunisian industry (DASTII)
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature, Conservation, Construction, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB)
Lead executing agency: Ministère de l’Energie, des Mines et des Energies Renouvelables
Overall term: 2015 to 2017
Industry is Tunisia's second largest energy consumer, accounting for more than a third of the country's total energy consumption. The industrial sector is strongly dependent on fossil fuels, including natural gas, oil and liquified petroleum gas, the use of which is directly and inextricably linked to greenhouse gas emissions. These harmful emissions have been steadily increasing in Tunisia since 1990. Today, industry’s share of all the emissions produced by the country stands at around 20 per cent.
Through innovative energy efficiency measures, Tunisian industry has reduced its energy consumption, thereby cutting its greenhouse gas emissions. The use of combined heat and power facilities has been optimised with the help of a central monitoring system. Tunisian specialists have enhanced their expertise in the field of energy efficiency for industry.
The project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Tunisian industry by promoting innovative energy efficiency measures. GIZ is implementing the project on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB). Its partner in cooperation is the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME). The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems provides technical support for project implementation in the areas of energy efficiency and combined heat and power (cogeneration).
Dissemination of new methods and technologies for energy efficiency
At least one industrial enterprise receives assistance with the implementation of an innovative energy efficiency measure. To this end, the project conducts specific energy audits in a number of companies. The results of the audits are used to select suitable energy efficiency measures to be implemented with technical support from the project. An energy management system is introduced in the enterprise to optimise energy consumption and to collect data. This data allows the continuous evaluation of the energy efficiency measures implemented, on the basis of a measurement and test report.
Improving the performance of cogeneration plants
The project pursues activities to improve the use of cogeneration, which has yet to be optimised in Tunisia. This technology involves the simultaneous production of power and heat within one power station. Cogeneration helps to conserve resources and reduce the emission of climate-damaging gases. To begin with, the project is drawing up an overview of cogeneration plants in Tunisia and assessing their status. Based on these findings, it will then identify potential areas for improving the operation of these facilities. The second step will entail installing a monitoring system at ANME, designed to supply information on the performance of Tunisia’s cogeneration facilities at any time.
Training for Tunisian specialists
The project conducts training courses and workshops to enhance the technical skills of specialists and energy efficiency experts in Tunisia’s industrial sector. Participants come from industrial enterprises, technology centres, research institutions, ANME, the energy department of the responsible ministry, and the Tunisian electricity and gas company (STEG). In agreement with ANME, the project partner, these activities are geared to addressing specific needs, such as training on the ISO 50001 standard for energy management systems.