Tunisia launches feasibility study to set up a 60 MW wind energy plant

According to papers presented by officials of the National Agency for Energy Management (ANME), a study of technical and economic feasibility of a 60 MW wind farm, expandable to 120 MW, is currently underway.

Mr. Nafaa Baccari, head of the wind power service at the agency, said that this study is part of the program for self-generating electricity from wind energy that aims to install a 60 MW power for electricity self-generation by companies large consumers of electricity, and in order to satisfy a portion of their electricity needs .

The Agency has also made available to different stakeholders in this sector, software dubbed “Wind Atlas” which provides scientific information on wind power in Tunisia. This software allows investors to develop business in the production and export of wind energy.

The law of February 2009 authorized the independent production of electricity from renewable energy to any institution or group of institutions working in the industrial, agricultural or service sectors for its own consumption with the right to sell to STEG up to 30% of generated electricity.

Tunisia’s wind turbines are currently producing 6% of the country’s electricity. It is expected that by 2011, wind power will produce 300 MW. Previous studies have shown that the country’s wind power potential is estimated at 1000 MW.

www.tunisiaonlinenews.com