Tunisia is quietly positioning itself as a key player in Europe’s green hydrogen future, with a newly published study outlining how four strategically chosen sites in the north could unlock up to 3 GW of clean energy—enough to power a major shift in the continent’s energy supply. The findings, led by Imed Derouiche of the Ecole Polytechnique de Tunisie, suggest that northern Tunisia’s combination of strong solar and wind resources, existing pipeline infrastructure, and better water availability could make it one of the most competitive regions for green hydrogen production in North Africa.
The research, published in the journal *Hidrojin* (Hydrogen), evaluates four sites—Haouaria, Zriba, Sbikha, and Feriana—each optimized for its renewable energy strengths. Haouaria, with its dominant wind resources, emerges as the most cost-effective option, while Zriba and Feriana leverage hybrid solar-wind configurations to maximize output. Sbikha, focused solely on solar, still presents a viable pathway. Together, these sites could support a total installed renewable capacity of 3.1 GW, translating into a base-case levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) as low as $1.21 per kilogram—well within the range needed to compete in European markets.
“Northern Tunisia has a unique advantage,” Derouiche explains. “The proximity to the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline means we can repurpose existing infrastructure, while the resource mix—especially wind in Haouaria—keeps production costs competitive.” The study’s sensitivity analysis, however, warns that if capital expenditures rise significantly, LCOH could climb to nearly $3.8 per kilogram, underscoring the importance of stable investment conditions.
For energy executives tracking the green hydrogen race, this research offers more than just feasibility—it presents a commercially viable blueprint. By distributing production across multiple sites, developers can mitigate risks while leveraging Tunisia’s untapped potential. The Trans-Med pipeline, originally built for Algerian gas exports to Italy, could soon carry a different kind of energy: hydrogen molecules split from water using surplus solar and wind power.
What makes this study particularly compelling is its real-world grounding. Unlike theoretical projections, it accounts for land availability, resource variability, and infrastructure reuse—factors that often derail large-scale energy projects. If implemented, this model could set a precedent for how North African nations integrate into Europe’s decarbonized energy future.
As the global hydrogen economy takes shape, Tunisia’s northern corridor may well become the next critical link—one where wind turbines and solar arrays work in tandem to fuel not just domestic industry, but Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels. The question now is whether policymakers and investors will act fast enough to turn this potential into reality.