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With abundant resources for both photovoltaic and wind energy, Tunisia stands out for its potential in sustainable power generation
Unlocking Tunisia's Potential
EN
About project
Zarzis, Tunisia
Tunisia's national green hydrogen development strategy, created in collaboration with key stakeholders, aims for the country to achieve a sustainable, carbon-neutral, and inclusive green hydrogen economy by 2050
The strategy establishes ambitious targets for both domestic and export markets and includes a plan to incorporate green hydrogen and its derivatives into key economic sectors
These goals are in line with Tunisia's climate commitments and broader economic and energy development strategies. Specific targets for different time frames, established in consultation with stakeholders, are outlined in the accompanying table
Green hydrogen is one of the pillars of the national strategy of Tunisia. Cooperative agreement between Tunisia and Germany has been signed in 2020 for EUR31m
The strategy establishes ambitious targets for both domestic and export markets and includes a plan to incorporate green hydrogen and its derivatives into key economic sectors
These goals are in line with Tunisia's climate commitments and broader economic and energy development strategies. Specific targets for different time frames, established in consultation with stakeholders, are outlined in the accompanying table
Green hydrogen is one of the pillars of the national strategy of Tunisia. Cooperative agreement between Tunisia and Germany has been signed in 2020 for EUR31m
National strategy
Since 2022, Tunisia has been developing a national strategy for green hydrogen, which should be finalized by 2024. The country has already announced that exporting this green fuel will be given priority over local use
Germany, a leading European country in green hydrogen strategy, signed in 2020 a cooperative agreement with Tunisia for EUR31m in order to develop the newborn strategy of green hydrogen
Main stages of strategy implementation
• Start of preparation of H2 Valley in the south of Tunisia and the infrastructure for exports
• Integration of green hydrogen in national politics
• Integration of green hydrogen in national politics
2025
• First project to produce ammonia in Gabes
• Construction of a pipeline for exports
• Construction of a pipeline for exports
2030
• Exports per pipeline reaches 1Mt of green hydrogen
• Hydrogen valley of the south is operational
• Production of synthetic fuel
• Hydrogen valley of the south is operational
• Production of synthetic fuel
2035
• Exports per pipeline reaches 6Mt
• Production of derivates of Hydrogen attends its target level
• Green hydrogen become a pillar of the national economy and contributes to the carbon neutrality
• Production of derivates of Hydrogen attends its target level
• Green hydrogen become a pillar of the national economy and contributes to the carbon neutrality
2050
• Start of preparation of H2 Valley in the south of Tunisia and the infrastructure for exports
• Integration of green hydrogen in national politics
• Integration of green hydrogen in national politics
2025
• First project to produce ammonia in Gabes
• Construction of a pipeline for exports
• Construction of a pipeline for exports
2030
• Exports per pipeline reaches 1Mt of green hydrogen
• Hydrogen valley of the south is operational
• Production of synthetic fuel
• Hydrogen valley of the south is operational
• Production of synthetic fuel
2035
• Exports per pipeline reaches 6Mt
• Production of derivates of Hydrogen attends its target level
• Green hydrogen become a pillar of the national economy and contributes to the carbon neutrality
• Production of derivates of Hydrogen attends its target level
• Green hydrogen become a pillar of the national economy and contributes to the carbon neutrality
2050
19 years+
experience in the market
96%
projects for private and public customers
50+
projects completed on time and within budget
1. A dedicated task force for the implementation of the strategy;
2. A framework agreement with the EU;
3. A specific regulatory and institutional framework for GH2 and its derivatives, centred around the development of H2 Valleys established as Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
2. A framework agreement with the EU;
3. A specific regulatory and institutional framework for GH2 and its derivatives, centred around the development of H2 Valleys established as Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
In order to ensure the efficiency of the implementation, the strategy is built upon the following key pillars:
Tunisia presents an important potential of sustainable energy from photovoltaics and wind power either onshore or offshore
The South of Tunisia precisely presents an average capacity factor higher than 21% for the photovoltaics and higher than 38% for windfarms
Over the period 2030-2050, hydrogen production is expected to be around 320kt in 2030 and 8300kt in 2050. It is important to note that thanks to green hydrogen, avoided CO2 emissions will rise from 217kt in 2030 to 19,000kt in 2050
The vision behind the national green hydrogen development strategy has been drawn up in consultation with the key players involved in GH2 in Tunisia. The vision is as follows: Tunisia is a sustainable, carbon-neutral and inclusive green hydrogen economy by 2050
Renewable Energy Potential
Main pillars of the strategy implementation
Targets for Green Hydrogen development
Over the period 2030-2050, hydrogen production is expected to be around 320kt in 2030 and 8300kt in 2050. It is important to note that thanks to green hydrogen, avoided CO2 emissions will rise from 217kt in 2030 to 19,000kt in 2050
The vision behind the national green hydrogen development strategy has been drawn up in consultation with the key players involved in GH2 in Tunisia. The vision is as follows: Tunisia is a sustainable, carbon-neutral and inclusive green hydrogen economy by 2050
1. A dedicated task force for the implementation of the strategy;
2. A framework agreement with the EU;
3. A specific regulatory and institutional framework for GH2 and its derivatives, centred around the development of H2 Valleys established as Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
2. A framework agreement with the EU;
3. A specific regulatory and institutional framework for GH2 and its derivatives, centred around the development of H2 Valleys established as Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
In order to ensure the efficiency of the implementation, the strategy is built upon the following key pillars:
Tunisia presents an important potential of sustainable energy from photovoltaics and wind power either onshore or offshore
The South of Tunisia precisely presents an average capacity factor higher than 21% for the photovoltaics and higher than 38% for windfarms
Renewable Energy Potential
Main pillars of the strategy implementation
Targets for Green Hydrogen development
The global green hydrogen market has experienced significant growth in recent years
Hydrogen Market
Production
Liquid storage
Transfer
Shipping
First step
Production and Supply of Green Hydrogen
The production of green hydrogen encompasses several stages, starting with the extraction of seawater and culminating in the creation of hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2)
01
Extraction of seawater
The initial step involves obtaining seawater, as it serves as the abundant water source required for hydrogen production. Seawater's ready availability makes it a viable resource for this purpose
03
After desalination, the purified water undergoes electrolysis. Powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process involves passing an electric current through the water, causing the water molecules (H2O) to dissociate. Hydrogen ions (H+) migrate towards the cathode, while oxygen ions (O2-) migrate towards the anode
Hydrogen extraction using electrolyzes
02
Desalination of water
After extracting seawater, the next step involves desalination, which eliminates salt and impurities from the water. Desalination methods like reverse osmosis or distillation ensure the water is suitable for subsequent processes like electrolysis
Liquid Hydrogen storage
Second step
Liquid hydrogen offers advantages in terms of density and volume, allowing for more efficient storage and transportation of this clean energy carrier. Here are more detailed steps involved in the storage of liquid hydrogen
The storage of liquid hydrogen involves a specific process known as hydrogenation, which converts gaseous hydrogen (H2) into a liquid state
04
Insulation
Due to the extremely low temperatures required to keep hydrogen in a liquid state, proper insulation is crucial to minimize heat transfer and prevent the hydrogen from re-vaporizing. Insulation materials such as vacuum panels or multi-layered insulation systems are utilized to maintain the low temperatures inside the storage containers and minimize energy loss
06
05
Handling and storing liquid hydrogen requires strict safety measures due to its low temperature, flammability, and potential for rapid vaporization. Safety features such as pressure relief systems, venting mechanisms, and leak detection systems are incorporated into the storage infrastructure to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents
Storage containers
Safety measures
Liquid hydrogen is stored in specialized containers designed to withstand the extremely low temperatures and the pressure exerted by the liquid. These containers are typically double-walled and vacuum-insulated to provide thermal insulation and maintain the stability of the liquid hydrogen
01
Compression
Before hydrogenation can take place, the gaseous hydrogen is typically compressed to increase its density. Compression reduces the volume occupied by hydrogen gas, making it more manageable and suitable for further processing
03
As the hydrogen gas is cooled, it undergoes condensation, transforming into a liquid. At cryogenic temperatures, the molecular motion of hydrogen slows down, causing the gas molecules to come closer together and form a liquid phase. The liquid hydrogen is collected and stored in specially designed containers or tanks
02
Condensation
Cooling
After compression, the hydrogen gas is cooled to extremely low temperatures. The cooling process is achieved using cryogenic systems, such as liquefiers or refrigeration units, which employ various cooling agents like liquid nitrogen or helium
Hydrogen transfer
Third step
Advanced pipeline networks ensure seamless and secure transfer of liquid hydrogen from production facilities to shipping docks
Efficient Hydrogen Transfer Solutions
04
Cryogenic insulation
Throughout the pipeline system, insulation measures are employed to minimize heat transfer and maintain the low temperatures required to keep the liquid hydrogen in its liquid state. The pipelines are usually double-walled and vacuum-insulated to provide effective thermal insulation and prevent energy loss
06
05
The transportation of liquid hydrogen through pipelines is subject to regulatory requirements and safety standards. Operators must adhere to these regulations to ensure the safe handling, transportation, and transfer of cryogenic fluids. Compliance with regulations may involve regular inspections, maintenance activities, and adherence to safety protocols
Monitoring and safety systems
Regulatory compliance
Pipeline transportation of liquid hydrogen requires robust monitoring and safety systems to ensure the integrity of the pipeline infrastructure and prevent leaks or accidents. Sensors, meters, and monitoring devices are installed along the pipeline to continuously monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and composition. Automated safety systems can detect any anomalies and trigger appropriate responses, such as shutting off valves or activating emergency procedures
01
Pipeline infrastructure
A specialized pipeline network is established to connect the hydrogen production facilities, where the liquid hydrogen is stored, to the shipping dock at the port. The pipeline infrastructure consists of a series of interconnected pipes designed to handle the transportation of cryogenic fluids, such as liquid hydrogen, at extremely low temperatures and high pressures
03
At the shipping dock, specialized loading and unloading facilities are installed to handle the transfer of liquid hydrogen between the pipeline and the transportation vessels, such as hydrogen carriers or tanker ships. These facilities include loading arms, couplings, and safety systems designed to handle cryogenic fluids
02
Loading and unloading facilities
Transfer stations
Along the pipeline route, transfer stations are strategically located to facilitate the transfer of liquid hydrogen between storage tanks and the pipeline. These stations are equipped with the necessary equipment and controls to ensure safe and efficient transfer operations. They typically include pumps, valves, pressure regulation systems, and monitoring instruments
Green Hydrogen shipping
Fourth step
Special shipping boats will be used to transport the liquid hydrogen from the port of Zarzis to ports in Europe for various users
The collected hydrogen gas is stored for various applications, while the oxygen gas can either be used for other purposes or released into the atmosphere
Electrolysis is an electrochemical process that separates water molecules into their elemental components, generating hydrogen gas at the cathode and oxygen gas at the anode
With these ambitious goals and investments, the green hydrogen market is set for significant growth in the years ahead
Hydrogen Market
PORT NADOR WEST MED MOROCCO
Long Term Concession
Room for electrolysers & liquefaction (storage on site)
Shipping facilities
Green power supply and H2 production Baseload green power supply
Green PPA
Green PPA
82 tons
H2/day produced
5 ha
in the Free Zone of the Port
Our projects
3 km
pipe from site to Port (LOHC)
3 km
from oil terminal of the Port
24 tons
gaseous H2 storage (30 bar) and 1420 tons Liquid H2 storage facility at Port
CMMZE Invest UAE will use the electrolysis of sea water process powered by solar and wind sources to produce the energy required for the production of green hydrogen (H2)
dubai, uae
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