Algeria has pledged to maintain electricity exports to neighbouring Tunisia during the peak summer season, underscoring the growing strategic importance of regional energy cooperation as North African countries grapple with rising domestic power demand and energy security challenges.
The commitment was made during talks held in Algiers between Algerian Energy and Renewable Energies Minister Mourad Adjal and a delegation from Tunisia’s state electricity and gas utility STEG, led by its Chief Executive Fayçal Trifa.
According to a statement issued by Algeria’s Energy Ministry, the discussions focused on sustaining Algerian electricity exports to Tunisia during the summer of 2026, when power consumption typically surges due to increased air-conditioning use and higher industrial demand.
The two sides also discussed plans for a proposed 1,400-megawatt combined-cycle gas-fired power plant in Tunisia and ongoing efforts to advance a regional electricity interconnection project linking Algeria, Tunisia and Libya.
Algeria said it would continue supplying electricity to Tunisia even as its own domestic electricity grid comes under pressure during periods of peak demand.
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“Algeria, through Sonelgaz, is committed to meeting its commitments to Tunisia, given the strategic importance of this period,” Minister Adjal said in the ministry statement.
The minister also instructed officials at Algeria’s state-owned utility Sonelgaz to strengthen coordination with STEG and continue supporting Tunisia’s electricity requirements.
No details were disclosed regarding financing arrangements, construction timelines or the operational structure of the proposed power plant project.
The discussions highlight Tunisia’s continued dependence on Algerian energy supplies at a time when the country faces mounting pressure on its domestic energy system.
According to the International Energy Agency, Tunisia imported 64.3 percent of its natural gas needs in 2023. Natural gas accounted for nearly 95% of Tunisia’s electricity generation during the same period, making the country highly exposed to fluctuations in regional gas supply and energy prices.
The IEA also reported that Tunisia imported more than 13% of its electricity consumption in 2023, with Algeria serving as its primary supplier.
Energy analysts say the relationship has become increasingly strategic as Tunisia struggles with declining domestic hydrocarbon production, rising energy demand and pressure on public finances.
For Algeria, continued electricity exports reinforce its role as a regional energy power and support broader ambitions to expand influence through cross-border infrastructure and energy diplomacy.
Algeria has intensified regional energy partnerships across Africa since the beginning of the year, using Sonelgaz as a key vehicle for expanding electricity infrastructure cooperation.
The company has already launched construction work on a power plant in Niger, signed a similar agreement in Chad, and strengthened energy cooperation with Mozambique.
Officials say these projects are part of Algeria’s strategy to position itself as a continental energy hub capable of exporting electricity, technical expertise and infrastructure investment across Africa.
The proposed Algeria-Tunisia-Libya interconnection project also reflects growing efforts among North African countries to strengthen regional electricity integration and improve energy resilience through shared infrastructure.
Regional interconnections are increasingly viewed as essential tools for balancing electricity supply and demand, especially during seasonal peaks and periods of production disruption.
Analysts say enhanced electricity integration could help reduce generation costs, improve grid stability and support future renewable energy expansion across North Africa.
For Tunisia, maintaining stable access to Algerian electricity remains critical as authorities seek to avoid power shortages during the summer months while advancing longer-term reforms aimed at diversifying energy sources and strengthening domestic generation capacity.
The latest talks suggest both countries see energy cooperation not only as an economic necessity but also as a strategic pillar of regional stability and integration.
