Wednesday 30th July 2025
By inAfrika Reporter
In northwestern Tunisia, a shift from heavy fuel oil to natural gas is transforming how businesses operate and how communities live. This transition, made possible through a major infrastructure project backed by the African Development Bank, is lowering pollution, increasing efficiency, and strengthening the local economy.
Companies like SICAM, known for canned tomatoes, now benefit from more efficient energy systems. The plant, once choked by black smoke and high maintenance costs, now saves up to 500,000 Tunisian dinars per season thanks to natural gas.
The project, implemented by STEG, has already connected more than 1,250 households in regions such as Béja Sud and Mjez Elbeb. It aims to serve 13,500 households across 19 municipalities. The cleaner energy source not only heats homes but supports the creation and expansion of industries, including brickyards and cement plants.
SICAM’s operations have seen marked improvements in productivity and equipment performance. The company now uses around 17,000 m³ of natural gas per production cycle, enabling faster and more sustainable production.
According to the African Development Bank, the project has sparked industrialization, encouraged job creation, and brought new life to previously underserved areas. Swift fund disbursement has also kept the project on schedule, a factor STEG officials commend.
The switch to gas represents a model for inclusive, green development and proves that strategic infrastructure investments can deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
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