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African Manager
19-05-2025
- Business
- African Manager
Energy Transition in Tunisia and Mediterranean Partnership
Energy transition is a crucial challenge for Tunisia. By diversifying its energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the country can enhance its energy security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and create new jobs. The direction is clear, and the ambition is set: Tunisia aims to green its energy mix by focusing on renewable sources. The goal is ambitious—reaching 30% renewable energy by 2030, equivalent to a production capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW). However, the reality on the ground is far from ideal. Strengthening Mediterranean partnerships for a successful transition The success of Tunisia's energy transition depends on reinforcing Mediterranean partnerships in this field, stated the Secretary of State for Energy Transition in Sorrento, Italy. Tunisia is ready to play its role in this domain and share its expertise to build a sustainable energy future while ensuring energy supply at both national and regional levels, he said during the International Forum 'Towards the South' held on May 16-17 in the Italian city, according to the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mines. The official outlined the key pillars of Tunisia's 2035 Energy Strategy and the reforms undertaken by the ministry to diversify the energy mix. He emphasized the importance of deeper regional integration to address energy market instability and support industrial development. Spotlight on the ELMED Project The Secretary of State also held discussions highlighting the ELMED project, a future Tunisia-Italy electrical interconnection, set to become the first high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Europe and Africa. This project is backed by the European Union, described as Tunisia's 'strategic partner' in the energy sector. On the sidelines of the forum, the official met with Algerian Energy Minister Mohamed Arkab, accompanied by the CEOs of Sonatrach and Sonelgaz, to discuss the development of a tripartite electrical interconnection between Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. Additionally, he held talks with Nicola Monti, CEO of Italian energy group Edison, on cooperation in energy innovation. Funding for Municipal Energy Efficiency Projects The National Agency for Energy Conservation (ANME) has launched a second call for applications to finance municipal energy efficiency projects, with the deadline approaching soon. Selected municipalities will be eligible to request loans from the Local Authorities Support and Loan Fund (CPSL). This initiative is part of the ACTE Program, led by ANME in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, CPSL, and the Training and Decentralization Support Center. The call aims to encourage Tunisian municipalities to develop innovative green projects in three key areas: Energy efficiency, optimizing energy use in municipal buildings, vehicle fleets, and public lighting networks, renewable energy, primarily self-consumption projects to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and territorial studies, improving municipal energy performance, including urban mobility studies. The ACTE Program continues to drive local energy transition, building on a first call in 2020 that selected 11 projects, now underway. These projects, worth 2.7 million dinars, received a grant exceeding 837,000 dinars from the Energy Transition Fund (FTE). Eligible municipalities (under Decree No. 2014-3505 of September 30, 2014) can apply for this mechanism. While municipalities must provide self-financing, they can also secure CPSL loans. FTE grants cover 20% to 70% of total project costs, with ceilings ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 dinars (…).
Al Bawaba
04-03-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Samsung Receives 58 Accolades at iF Design Awards 2025
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it received a total of 58 awards at the International Forum (iF) Design Awards 2025, a prestigious German international design competition. Included among the honors was a Gold Award for Samsung's Ballie and advanced concept package design for small portable projectors, 'BOJAGI'. Founded in 1953 as Die Gute Industrieform e.V., the iF Design Awards evaluates a comprehensive range of factors, including differentiation and impact, across a total of nine categories: Product Design, Packaging Design, Communication Design, Interior Architecture, Professional Concept, Service Design, Architecture, User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI). 'Innovation with AI can help resonate with our customers through the power of design' said TM Roh, President and Head of the Corporate Design Center at Samsung Electronics. 'We will strive to provide designs that harmonize with consumers' changing lifestyles and contribute to society and the lives of our consumers.' Two Gold Awards Recognize Designs That Offer Customized Experiences for Different Lifestyles Ballie, an AI companion robot for the home, acts as a personal assistant that can autonomously drive around the home to complete various tasks. By connecting to and managing home appliances, Ballie can provide a helping hand to users in many situations — continually learning from users' patterns and habits to provide smarter, more personalized services. Advanced concept package design for small portable projectors — named as 'Sustainable Design & Communication, BOJAGI' — was inspired by a traditional Korean tool called bojagi. The design was implemented using scrap fabric, and was designed to be able to package and sustainably be reused regardless of its shape. 58 Awards Ranging From TVs to Home Appliances to Smartphones Samsung Electronics' 58 wins came across all design categories. In addition to the Gold Awards for the 'Ballie' and 'BOJAGI', Samsung received awards in the Product Design category for the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, an all-in-one washer and dryer; Galaxy Ring, a wearable device packed with Samsung's powerful sensor technology and Galaxy AI capabilities to help users keep track of their health by simply wearing it on their finger; and the Neo QLED 8K, a TV that provides an immersive experience with the infinity air design. Other products and services that were recognized for design excellence include Foldable Galaxy AI UX, Bespoke refrigerator UX and the Newfound Equilibrium exhibition at Milan Design Week 2024. Foldable Galaxy AI UX enables seamless communication anywhere, anytime with AI-based mobile features like Live Translate, which enables easy conversations with someone in another language. And thanks to the dual screen functionality of Galaxy Z series, you can switch your device into FlexMode so both parties can see the conversation translated in a more natural way. Bespoke refrigerator UX provides various experiences that simplify user's lives, such as managing food lists and controlling connected devices. And the Newfound Equilibrium exhibition showcases Samsung's user centered design philosophy with an aim to inspire vision for a better future that encompasses the balance between people and technology.
