Archives des technology - mdi-international

North Africa’s Solar Ambitions: Successes in Morocco and Egypt, Stalled Progress in Tunisia

Ahmed Lagha — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 06:13:26 +0000

The solar potential of North Africa is exceptional. The most formal proof of this is the realization, in 2016, of the Moroccan solar complex Noor, located in the province of Ouarzazate, in the southeast of the country. Equipped with four technologically different solar power plants and spread over more than 3000 hectares, this solar project aims to increase the share of renewable energy in Morocco’s national electricity mix to more than 52% by 2030. Capable of supplying electricity to more than two million Moroccans, the project has been supported by partners and investors such as the African Development Bank Group, Masen, and the European Union.

On the Egyptian side, it is the Benban Solar Park, located in the Aswan Governorate and commissioned in 2019, that commands admiration! With a maximum capacity of 1650 megawatts peak, the annual production is estimated at 3.8 terawatt-hours. Benban has since become the largest solar installation in the world.

But what is happening on the Tunisian side? Why are the country’s energy ambitions not reaching the goals achieved by its neighbors?

Due to the monopolistic behavior of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), disagreements between investors, partners, authorities, and local organizations, large-scale solar projects in southern Tunisia are being canceled over time without reaching agreements.

For now, only two solar power plant projects (the Tozeur photovoltaic plant and the Tataouine plant) are operational, but their energy production is not enough to meet the country’s annual energy ambitions.

Indeed, the recent news of the cancellation of a solar power plant project in the city of Gafsa is not a good sign. At odds with the Tunisian authorities, the Franco-Moroccan consortium ENGIE/NAREVA will not build this plant, due to disagreements over the pricing basis for electricity commercialization. The recent spike in solar panel prices and the prices proposed by the Tunisian authorities have made the project unprofitable, according to the same consortium.

Furthermore, other information has reached us that Scatec, the Norwegian energy company entrusted with the construction of another solar power plant project in Tataouine, is finally abandoning the project. The company no longer believes in the economic viability of the project, given “the economic upheavals, post-COVID inflation, and the increase in interest rates by at least 4%.”

The project has therefore been reassigned to an Emirati competitor, but they cannot start work without the approval of the Tunisian parliament, which has been frozen until the crucial date of the next presidential elections on October 6.

Lagging in the race for sustainable development, Tunisia finds itself stalled due to blockages and disagreements.

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Let’s celebrate World Africa Day!

Ahmed Lagha — Sat, 25 May 2024 20:23:35 +0000

On this World Africa Day, let’s celebrate our continent and its unmatched growth potential! Rich in natural resources, endowed with exceptional biodiversity, and energized by a dynamic youth, Africa remains a fertile ground for opportunity.

However, this growth must be supported by a strong commitment to environmental protection. Our unique ecosystems and biodiversity are treasures we must preserve for future generations. Sustainable management of our natural resources is essential to ensure harmonious and respectful development of our planet.

By investing in green technologies, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and strengthening our conservation policies, we can build a future where prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand. Together, let’s care for our land, celebrate our riches, and work towards a future where Africa shines as an example of balanced and sustainable growth.

From North Africa to Central and South, let’s celebrate our continent, the cradle of humanity, as it deserves!

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Reviving History: the tech-driven innovations of Historiar

Ahmed Lagha — Fri, 17 May 2024 14:17:05 +0000

Technology at the Service of History and Archaeology. To revolutionize the tourist experience through AI and virtual reality, Tunisian entrepreneur Houda Bakir brings archaeological sites back to life with her startup Historiar. Picture yourself strolling through the ruins of Carthage, immersed in the ambiance of the ancient Phoenician city through immersive technology.

That’s what Historiar offers, a pioneering company in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality to reconstruct historical sites.

Driven by a passion for new technologies and innovation, Houda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by leveraging her expertise in AI and VR to create unique immersive experiences. Her company, Historiar, has developed automated solutions to recreate archaeological sites in Tunisia, offering visitors an educational and entertaining experience.

But Historiar‘s impact extends beyond the tourist sphere. By using AI to accelerate the process of site reconstruction, Houda demonstrates the potential of this technology to revolutionize the archaeology sector and preserve our cultural heritage in innovative ways.

Through partnerships with sites in Europe and Orange Fab’s acceleration program, Historiar is poised to expand its influence internationally, offering a global audience the opportunity to discover history in an interactive and immersive way.

For Houda, AI is not just a tool; it’s an opportunity to rethink how we interact with the past, stimulate curiosity, and inspire enthusiasm for history and culture. Her work perfectly illustrates how technology can serve humanity by enriching our experiences while preserving our heritage for future generations.

At Mediterranean Development Initiative, we support visionaries like Houda Bakir who push the boundaries of innovation to create a world where the past and present meet through harmonious fusion.

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