Ensure access to affordable, reliable,
sustainable and modern energy for all
Mrs. Mouna Marrakchi
Research and Academic Activities
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM) is conducting a number of research projects on clean energy production, mainly through the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT) and the Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT).
- The Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT) is involved in a project focusing on the production of clean energy through the BIOTEC H2 International Joint Laboratory, launched in March 2022. This laboratory brings together Tunisian (ISSBAT, INRAP, FSB) and French (MIO, TBI) researchers. The focus is on producing and storing biohydrogen and methane from fermentable agri-food byproducts. ISSBAT has an anaerobic dark fermentation platform consisting of two automated fermentation lines of 2L volume and a 10L fermenter. The aim is to develop an efficient bioprocess for converting organic waste into clean energy carriers.
- At the University of Tunis El Manar, École Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Tunis (ENIT): Chiheb Bouden (Materials, Optimisation and Energy for Sustainability Laboratory). A professional Master program was co-created in partnership with Technical University of Munich (TUM), Mediterranean Centre for Renewable Energies (MEDREC), Société Tunisienne d’Electricité et de Gaz (STEG), Agence Nationale de Maîtrise de l’Energie (ANME), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
- A Tunisian-Bavarian hub on green hydrogen at ENIT aims to popularise H2 technologies, strengthen the link between academia and the socio-economic environment, promote Tunisia as a leader in green hydrogen and its value chain, and explore the potential of using the country’s renewable energy resources.
Photovoltaic Solar Stations
The University of Tunis El Manar (UTM), through institutions like the Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT) and the National School of Engineers of Tunis (ENIT), is advancing sustainability by participating in a transformative energy transition program.
This initiative involves equipping public facilities with photovoltaic solar stations for self-sustained electricity production and implementing energy efficiency measures, enabling these institutions to lower energy consumption and reduce electricity costs. This program aligns with UTM’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and its active contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Student Entrepreneur Hub & ENIT Energy Initiatives
The UTM Student-Entrepreneur Hub actively supports the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 7, by incubating projects that promote sustainable energy use. A notable project, Optinergie by Eya Touzri, provides a complete solution to optimize energy consumption through intelligent supervision.
In line with SDG 7, Optinergie features real-time monitoring to detect deviations, predictive algorithms to forecast energy needs, and remote management to reduce waste. With functions like intelligent prediction, user awareness, and automated control, Optinergie empowers businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy expenses, and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
Prof. Kamel Ben Saad, Director of ENIT, UTM, says: “ENIT: Pioneering Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Innovations at UTM”
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
Since its establishment, the National Engineering School of Tunis (ENIT) has integrated environmental concerns into its strategic objectives. ENIT has engaged in several projects to promote energy efficiency and regularly undertakes activities to raise awareness about environmental challenges.
- Through the MEDREC project, a photovoltaic solar power plant with a capacity of 71 kWc was installed on the roof of the Osman El Bahri Tower.
- In 2021, ENIT joined the Energy Transition in Public Institutions (TEEP) project by the National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME). As part of this initiative, 146 kWc of solar panels were installed on the fourth level of the school in 2024. These two installations collectively cover approximately 48% of ENIT’s electricity needs.
- Under the TEEP project, plans are underway to replace all halogen bulbs and fluorescent tubes with LED technology equivalents, and old air conditioners with energy-efficient class 1 models.
Raising Awareness of Environmental Issues
To raise awareness among students, faculty, and staff, ENIT organizes annual action days that have become traditions:
- LABEL ENIT: A day dedicated to education and awareness on aesthetics and cleanliness at ENIT and its surroundings.
- GreENIT: A day focused on raising awareness of the importance of trees and their role in the environment.
These initiatives reflect ENIT’s commitment to fostering an environmentally responsible community and promoting sustainable practices.
