The idea of producing green energy in desert regions of North Africa, rather than in Germany or Europe itself, has been around since the 2000s. ABI staff member Philipp Wagner takes a closer look at Tunisia in a radio program at Radio Z, and shows why this idea is problematic.
It's a widespread perception among international investors that deserts are "empty" space and are therefore well suited for large-scale infrastructure projects like solar panels. However, this narrative was already used in colonial times. It is often overlooked that desert regions aren't empty: Nomadic communities have been using or inhabiting them, mostly on the basis of informal land rights. Since these rights are not always clearly documented, conflicts frequently arise with investors who view the land as freely available.
Beyond that, the push for solar energy in North Africa raises further questions about global climate justice. In Tunisia in particular, it is clear that the energy transition is taking place within a complex political and social context. "Green extractivism" has become a common term among Tunisian activists, describing the fact that while renewable energy is produced in North Africa, it is mostly not used locally and instead exported. As a consequence, investments primarily benefit economic elites while the general population barely profits from them. Wagner points out how local use is one of the most important issues in terms of economic justice. Particularly in a country with high unemployment like Tunisia, the expansion of renewable energy could also offer opportunities for economic development and employment.
Wagner calls for a shift in focus from solely technical-economic factors to include political and social dimensions as well. The perspectives of locally affected people and groups should be central to decision-making.
The radio program is available on the Radio Z website (in German).