On Monday, June 10, 2024, at the headquarters of the National Water Distribution Utility  (SONEDE) in Tunis, a ceremony was held to sign a partnership agreement between the National Agency for Energy Control (ANME) and SONEDE.

This agreement was signed by Mr. Fethi Hanchi, General Director of ANME, and Mr. Ahmed Soula, Chairman and CEO of SONEDE, in the presence of several executives from both institutions.

The main objective of this agreement is to implement an integrated short- and medium-term action plan aimed at improving energy efficiency and promoting the use of renewable energy within SONEDE's facilities. Additionally, this agreement aims to collaborate with ANME to raise awareness and inform SONEDE's members about the importance of energy management as part of climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

The action plan is based on 10 key measures:

1. Establish an energy management team within the National Water Distribution Utility, in accordance with ISO 50001 international standards, responsible for monitoring the implementation of energy management processes, tracking energy consumption indices for various buildings, fixed and mobile equipment, and taking necessary corrective actions in a timely manner.

2. Develop and implement a training and capacity-building plan for the members of the energy management team.

3. Develop and implement a training plan for drivers on economical driving.

4. Implement an energy management IT system for buildings and fixed and mobile equipment.

5. Conduct an energy audit of various buildings and equipment, and develop a plan to rationalize energy consumption.

6. Conduct technical and economic feasibility studies for adopting new air conditioning equipment and technologies.

7. Conduct technical studies and necessary procedures to enable the National Water Distribution Utility  to establish solar power plants to cover part of its energy needs.

8. Develop a specific plan for the National Water Distribution Utility  to adopt electric vehicles in its fleet.

9. Implement a program to establish an energy management system in accordance with ISO 50001 international standards and obtain the corresponding certification.

10. Establish a system in the public spaces of the National Water Distribution Utility  to raise awareness among its members about the necessity of energy management.