First clean development mechanism achieved in Tunisia in the wind energy sector

It is the first clean development mechanism achieved in Tunisia in the wind energy sector.

With the signing of this agreement, the country plans to develop its potential of cutting greenhouse emissions in the energy sector. Within the framework of this agreement, WB acts on behalf of the Spanish Carbon Fund as being its manager.

Thanks to this project, which also includes the construction of a transport line reaching Menzel Temime, STEG inter-connected network members could henceforth be supplied by wind-generated electricity.

In substitution to an electricity production from fossil energies, the production of this wind power plant will help avoid a volume of emissions estimated at 50,000 tonnes greenhouse equivalent per year.

The wind farms of El Haouaria in the Cap Bon area will be soon beefed up by two other wind farm situated in the governorate of Bizerta.

The wind turbines will produce a total of 120 megawatts (MW), enabling the country to save annually over 120,000 Tons Oil Equivalent (TOE) of fuel and 43,000 cubic meters of water. It will also help bringing down emission to 300,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.

In the aftermath of the recent soar in the prices of hydrocarbons, and within the context of a highly volatile energy market in general, Tunisia’s wind farms 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.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

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