Tunisian gas and electric utility STEG partnered with Liten, a CEA Tech institute, to find ways to raise the share of renewables in the energy mix to 30% by 2030, reduce losses due to technical malfunctions and fraud, improve grid balancing to better match supply and demand, and improve its metering and billing system.

A joint CEA-STEG team that also included representatives of several energy-industry companies looked at the Tunisian grid's requirements and limitations to come up with recommendations based on 38 technology and software components. Each recommendation was backed with cost scenarios and a plan to phase in smart grid technologies in stages from 2018 to 2030 was developed. Liten also recommended that STEG install 400,000 smart meters by the end of 2020 with Liten's support. The meters will provide real-time consumption data and forecasting and planning tools to constantly balance supply and demand taking into account the integration of energy from renewable sources.

STEG has selected the Sfax region to serve as a testing ground for the future national smart grid. Liten gained valuable experience that can be applied to other international consulting contracts.