Page 2 - Issue NO.3-Strategic analysis of agrivoltaic applications in Tunisia

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Q U A R T E R 3 - 2 0 2 5 | I S S U E N O . 3

Launched in June 2024, the study is divided into Two regimes apply to AgriPV in the energy
several parts: sector: self-consumption and authorization. The
authorization regime allows the full sale of
electricity generated to STEG at an incentive rate.

AgriPV is technically compatible with a wide
range of crops (olive trees, grape trees, fruit trees),
as well as market gardening and small livestock
husbandry.
The potential study was carried out throughout
three stages: first, the estimation of a gross
potential where the project will be implemented,
based essentially on the selection of areas
occupied by compatible crops; of a technical
potential for which criteria of farm size, electrical
connection (LV/MV), accessibility and regime (self-
consumption/authorization) are introduced;
eventually, of a technical-economic potential
The drawn lessons from the benchmark highlight which integrates installation costs, sales prices
the diversity of AgriPV models, emphasize the and a profitability threshold per configuration
need to regulate their development in order to type and governorate. It turned out that the
preserve agricultural activity, the basis of food development of agriPV on a relatively limited
security and socio-economic stability, and the piecen of agricultural land (between 0.5% and 1.5%
need to impose conditions for maintaining of the areas) would make a substantial
agricultural use, alongside technical criteria for contribution to achieving Tunisia's national
photovoltaic installation. renewable energy production target of 8.5 GW by
2035.
The overview consisted of (i) reviewing the legal
texts, institutional and incentive mechanisms
developed in Tunisia for the electricity and
agricultural sectors to identify possible
opportunities and constraints for AgriPV; (ii)
analyzing the issues and challenges facing the
agricultural sector, in the context of climate
change; (iii) analyzing the issues and challenges
of the energy sector in terms of energy
independence and strengthening the energy mix.
In Tunisia, analysis of regulatory frameworks has However, simply promoting the self-consumption
shown: regime, while economically viable on a small
The existence of measures to protect scale, would have a modest impact on national
agricultural land, with a certain flexibility energy production. The authorization regime,
introduced by Decree-Law No. 2022-68 enhanced by a subsidized tariff (0.47
authorizing the installation of renewable energy millimes/kWh), appears more promising for
projects on the majority of agricultural land, reconciling agricultural and energy objectives.
without requiring a change in their use.
The roadmap resulted in a consensus on the
following vision:
"Develop and support AgriPV as a technology to support climate change adaptation, mitigation, and
transformation of the agricultural sector, as well as a means of producing low-carbon energy to
preserve agricultural yields and farmers' incomes, while contributing to the objectives of
strengthening the energy mix of the national electricity system and decarbonizing its service."

This vision calls for the rapid initiation of pilot projects in various agro-climatic contexts and the promotion and
support of AgriPV under the authorization regime, possibly providing a subsidized tariff (as for biogas).

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