Towards a Carbon-Neutral Mediterranean! Tunisia Hosts the Mediterranean Forum for Decarbonization

The first edition of the Mediterranean Forum for Decarbonization, Decarbomed, organized by the National Agency for Energy Control in Tunisia on September 24 and 25, 2024, under the slogan "Towards a Carbon-Neutral Mediterranean," was successfully concluded. This event took place in partnership with the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, the European Union, and the German International Cooperation Program.

The forum was inaugurated by Mr. Kamel Maddouri, Prime Minister, in the presence of Ms. Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Minister of Industry, Mines, and Energy, along with the Secretary of State for Transition, Mr. Fathi El Hanchi, the General Director of the National Agency for Energy Control, and Mr. Samir Majoul, President of the Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade, and Handicrafts.

Over 2,300 Tunisian participants, along with numerous guests and experts from Mediterranean countries, took part in the forum's activities over the two days. Among them were representatives from international organizations, companies operating in the fields of energy transition  and renewable energies , as well as government institutions.

The forum's program included 9 panel discussions and 5 workshops to discuss the latest advancements in carbon emission reduction, as well as an exhibition featuring national and international institutions active in this field, showcasing equipment for carbon reduction.

The forum was also marked by the launch of the "DecarboAct" platform, aimed at helping Tunisian companies assess their carbon emission rates resulting from their activities and products. This platform provides processes and mechanisms available to reduce these emissions. Users can also access successful experiences in this field and the results of investments in renewable energy and the circular economy. Additionally, a database is available, containing around 1,000 companies offering services, equipment, and technologies designed to assist industrial enterprises in Tunisia, particularly exporters, in reducing their carbon footprint. DecarboAct.

During the forum, a series of partnership agreements were also signed. Furthermore, the "Prosolelec Économique" program was launched, dedicated to the autonomous production of electricity through photovoltaic systems connected to the low-voltage grid . This program targets middle-income households with an annual electricity consumption between 1,200 and 1,800 kilowatt-hours.

This forum represents a crucial step in Tunisia's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting a fair and sustainable energy transition in the Mediterranean region. The DecarboMED 2024 edition also served as an opportunity for knowledge exchange, exploration of new technologies, and identification of cooperation opportunities, contributing to the discovery of best practices and the most effective strategies for accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy in the Mediterranean region. In conclusion, it was announced that Algeria, a fellow country, will host the second edition of this forum.