Sousse landfill to turn biogas into power

Tunisia's National Waste Management Agency (ANGeD) announced a tender on May 22, 2026, to equip the controlled landfill in Sousse with two electrical cogeneration units. The procurement aims to capture biogas—primarily methane—produced by decomposing waste and convert it into electricity . The Sousse landfill, located in the eastern coastal governorate of Sousse, handles municipal solid waste from the city and surrounding areas. ANGeD already captures biogas at the site to flare it off, reducing emissions, but this project marks the first step toward power generation there. ### What generates biogas at the Sousse landfill? Organic waste in landfills decomposes anaerobically, producing biogas composed of 50-60% methane and 40-50% carbon dioxide, plus trace gases. At Sousse's controlled landfill, ANGeD estimates the site generates enough biogas for viable electricity production, though exact volumes were not disclosed in the tender notice . The tender specifies two cogeneration units with a combined capacity to produce electricity for local use or grid injection. Each unit will use internal combustion engines or similar technology to burn the biogas, generating power and heat simultaneously. ### How will the cogeneration units work? Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), captures both electricity and usable heat from biogas combustion. The tender requires units capable of operating on low-quality landfill gas, with methane content as low as 40%, and includes systems for gas cleaning to remove impurities like hydrogen sulfide . Electricity generated will feed into Tunisia's national grid managed by STEG, the state electricity utility. Waste heat could warm landfill leachate treatment processes or nearby facilities, boosting efficiency to 80-90% versus 30-40% for separate power generation. ### Why is ANGeD pursuing waste-to-energy in Sousse? ANGeD Director General Olfa Jedidi stated the project "advances Tunisia's circular economy by turning waste into a renewable energy resource, reducing reliance on imported fuels" . Tunisia imports 95% of its natural gas, making local biogas power a strategic fit amid energy prices spiking 25% in 2025 . The initiative aligns with Tunisia's 2030 renewable energy target of 35% grid capacity from non-hydro sources, where waste-to-energy counts as renewable. Similar projects operate at landfills in Ariana and Marsa, producing 1.5 MW combined . ### What are the tender specifications and timeline? The tender, numbered 01/2026/ANGED, seeks turnkey installation of the two units, including civil works, grid connection, and a 24-month warranty. Estimated cost ranges from 5-8 million dinars ($1.6-2.6 million), funded by ANGeD's budget and potential international grants from the World Bank . Bids must be submitted by June 30, 2026, at ANGeD headquarters in Tunis. Evaluation criteria prioritize technical compliance (60%), price (30%), and local content (10%). Contract award is slated for August 2026, with installation completion targeted for Q2 2027. ### How does this fit Tunisia's broader waste management plans? Sousse is one of 20 controlled landfills ANGeD manages nationwide, handling 3,000 tons of waste daily across Tunisia. The agency plans biogas-to-power upgrades at five more sites by 2028, potentially adding 10 MW total capacity . Challenges include variable biogas yields and upfront costs, but successes elsewhere—like the 1 MW plant at Borj Chakir landfill since 2022—provide models. That facility powers 800 homes annually and cuts 15,000 tons of CO2 emissions . ANGeD will open bid envelopes on July 15, 2026, with shortlisted firms required to demonstrate prior landfill gas projects. ```