Japan & Italy join UNDP for Tunisian biomethane project

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Japan and Italy, has announced support for building a biomethane plant on the Tunisian island of Djerba. The facility will process organic waste generated by hotels on the island, aiming to reduce pollution and stimulate the local economy.

While the investment size and plant capacity have not yet been disclosed, a technical meeting chaired by Medenine Governor Walid Tabboubi has confirmed the biomethane project’s feasibility and finalized tender documents.

Senior representatives from the National Energy Management Agency (ANME), the National Waste Management Agency (ANGED), the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), and local municipalities participated and reaffirmed their commitment to moving the biomethane project forward quickly.

Officials emphasize that the Djerba biomethane plant represents not only an environmental solution but also a vital opportunity for advancing Tunisia’s energy transition.

UNDP has revealed that the biomethane plant is expected to treat around six tonnes of organic waste annually, marking an important step in environmental protection and sustainable economic growth. The initiative is also anticipated to create green jobs, strengthen the island’s resilience to climate change, and promote a circular economy.

Djerba—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is being positioned as a showcase for integrating environmental sustainability with economic development. The project is overseen by Tunisia’s Ministries of Environment and Industry and aligns with the government’s broader strategy to scale up waste-to-energy initiatives nationwide.

Bioenergy Potential of Tunisia

By 2035, Tunisia aims to boost waste-to-energy production by 40% and cut landfill waste by more than half.

The bioenergy policy of Tunisia falls under its broader Tunisian Solar Plan (TSP), that intensifies its clean energy transition with a strong focus on bioenergy. The initiative seeks to diversify the electricity mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and unlock the country’s untapped biomass potential.

With abundant agricultural residues, olive pomace from its vast olive oil industry, and municipal waste streams, Beyond power generation, policymakers see potential applications in heating and transport too. For this, the government is pushing for greater private sector participation, strengthening regional cooperation, and tailoring incentives to attract capital into the sector.

Officials underline that bioenergy will play a critical role in Tunisia’s ambition to secure 35% of its electricity from renewables by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.