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Tunis Allows Private Sector to Invest in Renewable Energy

A finished wind turbine complex is shown in southern Wyoming, US on July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ed Stoddard/File Photo
A finished wind turbine complex is shown in southern Wyoming, US on July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ed Stoddard/File Photo
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Tunis Allows Private Sector to Invest in Renewable Energy

A finished wind turbine complex is shown in southern Wyoming, US on July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ed Stoddard/File Photo
A finished wind turbine complex is shown in southern Wyoming, US on July 21, 2009. REUTERS/Ed Stoddard/File Photo

Tunisian authorities have given for the first time a role to the private sector in wind energy production.

The Ministry of Industry and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises granted licenses to four foreign companies producing electricity from wind with a 120 Megawatt generating capacity and an overall investment of 400 million Tunisian dinars.

ABO WIND AG (Germany), UPC Tunisia Renewables (Netherlands) and French LUCIA HOLDING and VSB Energies Nouvelles got their projects approved in principle.

Prime Minister Youssef Chahed said during a ceremony held on the occasion that giving a boost to renewables (solar and wind energy) is a priority for the government.

“The government made considerable efforts in order to develop the legal and organisational aspects of the sector,” he added.

The firms will sell wind power to the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) at prices ranging between 110 millimes and 135 millimes per kilowatt hour.

Tunisia’s energy deficit represents one third of the overall trade deficit, which has widened to a record level of about 19 billion dinars ($6.33 billion) in 2018 from 15.6 billion in 2017.

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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
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Saudi Transport, Logistics Sector Set for 10% Growth in Q2

An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)
An investor monitors a trading screen at the Saudi financial market in Riyadh. (AFP)

As Saudi companies start reporting their Q2 financial results, experts are optimistic about the transport and logistics sector. They expect a 10% annual growth, with total net profits reaching around SAR 900 million ($240 million), driven by tourism and an economic corridor project.

In Q1, the seven listed transport and logistics companies in Saudi Arabia showed positive results, with combined profits increasing by 5.8% to SAR 818.7 million ($218 million) compared to the previous year.

Four companies reported profit growth, while three saw declines, including two with losses, according to Arbah Capital.

Al Rajhi Capital projects significant gains for Q2 compared to last year: Lumi Rental’s profits are expected to rise by 31% to SAR 65 million, SAL’s by 76% to SAR 192 million, and Theeb’s by 23% to SAR 37 million.

On the other hand, Aljazira Capital predicts a 13% decrease in Lumi Rental’s net profit to SAR 43 million, despite a 44% rise in revenue. This is due to higher operational costs post-IPO.

SAL’s annual profit is expected to grow by 76% to SAR 191.6 million, driven by a 29% increase in revenue and higher profit margins.

Aljazira Capital also expects a 2.8% drop in the sector’s net profit from Q1 due to lower profits for SAL and Seera, caused by reduced revenue and profit margins.

Mohammad Al Farraj, Head of Asset Management at Arbah Capital, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector’s continued profit growth is supported by seasonal factors like summer travel and higher demand for transport services.

He predicts Q2 profits will reach around SAR 900 million ($240 million), up 10% from Q1.

Al Farraj highlighted that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), linking India with the GCC and Europe, is expected to boost sector growth by improving trade and transport connections.

However, he warned that companies may still face challenges, including rising costs and workforce shortages.