Energy infrastructure for the production and transmission of green energy between Tunisia and Italy
An energy bridge
across the Mediterranean
Tunisia-Italia Link, or TI-Link, is a new infrastructure for the production and transmission of certified green energy between Tunisia and Italy.
The project includes the development of a renewable energy park with a capacity of at least 5 GW in the Tunisian desert, alongside a power interconnection of up to 2 GW stretching approximately 600 kilometres across the Mediterranean Sea and reaching Tuscany, where it will deliver part of the renewable energy generated.
The project will contribute to both energy security and the decarbonisation of the electricity sector in Italy, Europe and Tunisia.
TI-Link project will be fully financed through private capital, with no impact on end consumers’ electricity bills. Once operational, it will supply the Italian power system with at least 10 TWh of renewable electricity per year — equivalent to the annual consumption of approximately four million households. In addition to supplying Tuscany and Italy, particularly for the benefit of industrial consumers, the imported energy could also reach major European industrial hubs. Tunisia will benefit from a share of the energy and supporting electrical infrastructure, helping meet the country’s energy needs and contributing to its national decarbonisation targets.
Why TI-Link
TI-Link is the result of a strategic cooperation between Tunisia and Italy, aimed at achieving the following objectives:
- enhancing energy security across the Mediterranean;
- supporting the energy transition in Italy, Europe and North Africa towards the achievement of decarbonisation targets;
- unlocking the potential of local natural resources to promote economic and social development in North Africa.
Tunisia benefits from one of the highest and most competitive renewable energy potentials in the Mediterranean, capable of exceeding national electricity demand. TI-Link translates this advantage into a concrete cooperation model: part of the energy produced will be allocated to the Tunisian market, contributing to local and industrial development, Tunisia’s decarbonisation targets, and the strengthening of the national grid. The remaining share will be integrated into European electricity markets, creating a more resilient and interconnected energy system.
Thanks to its strategic position in the Mediterranean, TI-Link represents an enabling infrastructure for deeper energy integration between North Africa and Europe, contributing to the stability of electricity systems, economic competitiveness, long-term price stability, and security of supply, also reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
TI-Link’s values
TI-Link is based on an international partnership focused on the principles of sustainable economic development, energy security, and mutual growth.
The project is being developed through ongoing dialogue with Italian and Tunisian institutions, in order to align with national priorities and ensure effective integration within both the North African and European energy contexts.
In both countries, Zhero has also engaged with local economic stakeholders to involve the industrial value chain and generate tangible benefits for local communities, households, and businesses.
Benefits for Italy and Europe
Renewable, certified, competitive and flexible energy
Supply of certified renewable energy at competitive costs, enabled by more favourable production conditions in North Africa.
A more stable, continuous and flexible energy supply, aligned with Italian and European decarbonisation needs, as well as with market dynamics and end-user demand.
An estimated coverage of 3.2% of national energy demand by 2030, making a significant contribution to future electricity needs.
Minimised land impact: producing the same amount of energy in Italy would require more than half of the Province of Livorno, whereas TI-Link requires approximately 0.01% of land use.
Energy transition and sustainability
Reduction of CO₂ emissions in Italy by 3 million tonnes per year.
Supporting the energy transition in line with European policies
Potential contribution to Tuscany’s 2030 burden-sharing targets.
Enhanced energy security
Diversification of energy supply sources, strengthening energy security in an evolving geopolitical context.
Greater resilience of the Italian and European electricity grid, supported by a new transmission corridor that enhances the system’s robustness and flexibility.
Private investment, employment and cooperation
Fully private investment, with no impact on consumer electricity bills.
Creation of new jobs both during the construction phase and in the operational phase of the infrastructure.
Strengthening of Europe–North Africa cooperation, in line with the Mattei Plan and EU policies.
Benefits for Tunisia
Social, industrial and employment development
The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities both during the construction phase and throughout long-term operations, including direct and indirect job creation, with broader spillover effects across the local economy.
It will also support the development of highly specialized technical skills distributed across the territory, fostering the growth of a local renewable energy value chain and the emergence of differentiated expertise by skill set and geographic area.
Power system and infrastructure development
The initiative will support the development plans of Tunisia’s national electricity grid through the construction of new transmission lines, delivered by Zhero and integrated into the existing Tunisian network, along with additional local infrastructure benefiting surrounding communities.
A meaningful share of electricity generated will be made available for domestic consumption across the country, from southern to northern regions, equivalent to approximately 10–15% of Tunisia’s total electricity demand.
Financial resilience and public revenues
The project is expected to strengthen Tunisia’s public finances and improve its trade balance through several channels, including:
- fiscal revenues generated by project companies operating in Tunisia
- concession fees related to exported electricity and land use
- reduced reliance on additional gas imports, driven by lower fossil-fuel-based generation needs to meet growing electricity demand
Energy security and local sustainability
The project will enhance Tunisia’s energy security and diversification of supply, reducing dependence on external fuel sources and increasing system resilience.
It will also reinforce Tunisia’s — and more broadly North Africa’s — role as a strategic energy partner for Europe.
Finally, it will contribute directly to national decarbonization targets, supporting the pathway toward 35% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2035.
International support
TI-Link is an innovative energy infrastructure of international relevance, supported by institutions in Italy, Europe, and Tunisia.
- Lettera di supporto del Governo Italiano
- Inserimento tra i progetti prioritari del Piano Mattei
- Presenza nel Piano di Sviluppo della rete 2025 di Terna
- Parte delle iniziative europee flagship del Global Gateway
- Inclusione nel TYNDP 2024 e 2026 di ENTSO-E
- Riconoscimento dello status di Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) per la componente HVDC Tunisia-Italia con supporto dai governi di Italia, Germania e Austria
- Riconoscimento dello status di CB-RES – Cross-Border Renewable Energy project per il perimetro di generazione rinnovabile in Tunisia
- Lettera di supporto firmata dal Ministro dell’Energia
- Collaborazione tra Zhero e STEG, il TSO nazionale, per lo sviluppo dell’iniziativa
Energy system innovation
The project is promoted by Zhero, a company engaged in the development and operation of infrastructure for the production, storage, and transmission of renewable energy.
Built on more than thirty years of experience in the energy sector of its founders, Zhero relies on an international team to develop programmes that include the integration of renewable energy plants with battery energy storage systems (BESS), the production of green molecules, the development of energy interconnections across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, as well as numerous other initiatives.