Summary:

On 27 August 2025, Tunisia’s Industry Ministry announced the completion of the joint evaluation of bids for the “Elmed” electricity interconnection project between Tunisia and Italy. The review, led by Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub and attended by senior officials and representatives of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), concluded the first phase concerning the construction of power conversion stations in Mlaâbi (in Nabeul, Tunisia) and Partanna (in Sicily, Italy).  

The Elmed project received definitive authorization on 10 May 2024 and features a 224 km HVDC submarine cable, including about 200 km under the Mediterranean Sea between Partanna, Italy, and Tunisia, reaching depths of up to 800 meters. The cable has a capacity of 600 MW, operates at 500 kV, and connects two conversion stations. With an estimated cost of nearly €1 billion, the interconnection is scheduled to enter service by the end of 2028. 

The project’s strategic importance was further highlighted by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to Tunisia last month, during which she met President Kais Saied to discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the energy sector, with particular focus on the Elmed project. 

Outlook: 

If the Elmed project proceeds according to plan, it will strengthen Tunisia’s energy security and diversify its electricity supply, at a time when the sector is experiencing significant shortages and financial challenges. It will also be a significant step toward positioning Tunisia as a hub for power connectivity to European markets still seeking affordable alternatives to Russian energy products. 

The successful delivery of the submarine cable and conversion stations could be pivotal for integrating Tunisia into the future Euro-African electricity market.  

The recent bid evaluation underscores the need for strict adherence to quality standards and close coordination, as any technical or administrative delays could affect the 2028 operational target.  

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