Community-coupled microgrids for the implementation of a smart grid in Tunisia

Smart grids are based on the use of ICT in order to optimise the quality and the cost of electricity generation, transport and distribution. Developing countries try to upgrade their electric grids to meet the evolving needs of the end consumers and face the energy challenge. The study of smart grid instauration in such countries must consider the disparity in terms of ICT infrastructures across regions or districts. The economic issues are very significant. It is so difficult to establish an optimal global solution that satisfies all electric energy market stakeholders. In this work, we propose a strategy to initiate the institution of a smart grid in Tunisia. We describe the different current offers of the Tunisian electricity market and propose a specific approach based on the use of the concept of community-coupled microgrids managed by the electricity service provider (ESP) which further enhances the relationship with the end customer and promote the use and integration of renewables.