The Italian giant Prysmian won the major contract for the Elmed underwater electrical interconnection. This project, whose main contract amounts to 460 million euros, is much more than an infrastructure ; It is the pivot of a new European energy strategy. Hailed by Ursula von der Leyen, Elmed made Tunisia the first African partner directly connected to the continent by a direct current electrical connection.
The strategic issue: Africa, a new ally of green Europe
The Elmed project will connect Sicily (Italy) to Cape Bon (Tunisia) via a submarine cable of 600 MWthus creating a direct and secure path for energy. This is the First high -voltage direct current link (HVDC) between Europe and Africa.
In a context of strong geopolitical uncertainty, the main objective is to Diversify and secure the energy supply of Europe. The cable makes it possible to massively integrate the renewable energies (solar and wind) of North Africa on the European market. By offering a outlet for Tunisian green electricity, it helps the EU achieves its climatic objectives while strengthening its autonomy in the face of fossil fuels.
This project is a realization of “Global Gateway” EU and Mattei plan of Italy, which aim to erect the Tunisia as a strategic partner and clean energy export hub for all Europe.
The PRYSMIAN contract and the historic financial commitment of the EU
The strategic value of the project is supported by a substantial financial commitment.
The main contract for the supply and installation of the underwater artery, won by the group PRYSMIANis assessed about 460 million euros.
Although the total cost of the Elmed project approaches the billion euros, the financial assembly is remarkable for the massive intervention of the European Union:
An economic and social springboard: stability and 70,000 jobs in sight
For Tunisia, the Elmed project is a vector of crucial transformation, intended to strengthen its energy sovereignty And to stimulate its economy.
- Network stability: Interconnection acts as a safety net for Stegallowing the rapid import of European electricity if necessary, stabilizing the national network and guaranteeing better quality of service to consumers.
- Growth and employment engine: The cable unlocks the export potential of Tunisia, encouraging massive investments in the national renewable energies sector. The project’s financial partners believe that the entire growing ecosystem could generate no less than 70,000 jobs in Tunisia.
The site, whose commissioning is expected in 2028is therefore a concrete step to loudly link the economic and energetic fate of the two banks of the Mediterranean.
Read also: Tunisia – Italy: Elmed, “first direct current link between Europe and Africa”
