March 25, 2025 – Tunis, Tunisia – Tunisia is stepping into the future of sustainable energy with the rollout of its national green hydrogen strategy, spotlighting a soon-to-be-built green ammonia plant in Gabès. Announced as part of a broader push into renewable energy, this initiative aims to position the country as a key player in the global shift toward cleaner fuel sources.
A Bold Step Toward Sustainability
The Tunisian government has unveiled plans to construct a green ammonia production facility in the southern Gabès region, targeting the local fertilizer market. This marks the first tangible move in the country’s ambitious strategy to become a net exporter of green hydrogen (H2g) by 2050. According to the plan, Tunisia could export 6.3 million tons of green hydrogen annually to the European Union via pipelines, while supplying 2 million tons domestically as green ammonia, methanol, or synthetic fuels.
The Gabès plant is set to transform a region long scarred by phosphate industry pollution into a “hydrogen valley.” Officials say this hub will foster an ecosystem for producing and using green hydrogen and its byproducts, sparking new business opportunities and revitalizing the local economy.
Policy Shifts to Support the Plan
To pave the way, Tunisia is poised to reclassify phosphogypsum—a byproduct of phosphate processing—from hazardous waste to a valuable resource. The Tunisian Chemical Group (GCT), a linchpin in this strategy, is also expected to gain VAT exemptions on fertilizer inputs for the local market, easing financial pressures and boosting production capacity.
International Partners Step In
The European Union is throwing significant weight behind Tunisia’s green ambitions. The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are providing financial and technical support. Additional backing comes from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Germany’s GIZ agency, with GCT leading the charge on the ground.
What’s Coming to Gabès
The Gabès project kicks off with a multi-pronged first phase:
- An 8-megawatt solar park near Ouedhref, west of the city, linked to the national grid via the STEG network.
- A seawater desalination unit to supply water for hydrogen production.
- An electrolyzer to generate green hydrogen using solar power.
- A Haber-Bosch unit for synthesizing ammonia efficiently and at scale.
These facilities will be housed at the GCT factory in Gabès’ Ghannouch industrial zone, blending cutting-edge technology with existing infrastructure.
A Cleaner Future for a Polluted Region
For decades, Gabès has borne the brunt of industrial pollution from phosphate processing. The green ammonia plant offers a chance to turn the page, leveraging Tunisia’s abundant solar potential to produce sustainable fertilizers and fuels. Beyond environmental benefits, the project promises jobs and economic growth in a region eager for renewal.
Tunisia’s Role in the Global Energy Shift
By 2050, Tunisia aims to anchor the EU’s hydrogen supply chain, capitalizing on its strategic location and renewable energy resources. Green hydrogen—produced using clean energy—could help Europe meet its climate goals while offering Tunisia a lucrative export market. Locally, the strategy supports energy independence and sustainable agriculture through green fertilizers.
“This is about more than just energy,” a government spokesperson said. “It’s about building a resilient economy and reclaiming our environment for future generations.”
With international partners on board and construction set to begin soon, Tunisia’s green hydrogen journey is officially underway—starting in Gabès, but with its sights set on the world.
