Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Tabarka Pumped Storage Power Plant (STEP)

The overall objective of this assignment is to support STEG in developing the 600 MW Tabarka Pumped Storage Power Plant (STEP) in Northwest Tunisia. The project aims to increase green energy production, reduce gas dependency, and provide large-scale electricity storage to manage the intermittency of renewable energy.

The consultancy ensures that the project complies with Tunisian environmental regulations and the international social and environmental safeguard standards of the EIB, KfW, and AFD.

Main deliverables:

The deliverables provided in the frame of this consultancy are

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA)

Specific Management Plans :

Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP): This plan (referred to as PGES in French) must cover the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases of the project. It includes a mitigation plan, a monitoring and follow-up program, and a plan for institutional capacity building

Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP): This plan (PGB in French) focuses on specific avoidance, mitigation, and monitoring measures for key biodiversity features. Its goal is to achieve "no net loss" of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP): In the event that the project results in significant and unavoidable residual impacts on biodiversity (such as critical habitats), this plan (PAB in French) details the compensatory measures required to achieve a "net positive impact"

Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP): Known as PMPP in French, this plan serves as a guide for all engagement activities throughout the project lifecycle (planning, construction, and operation). It includes a stakeholder identification process and a grievance mechanism.

Resettlement Action Plan (RAP): This plan (PAR in French) is required if land acquisition and involuntary resettlement are unavoidable. It defines the compensation process, institutional framework, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP): Often coupled with the RAP, this plan (PRMS in French) aims to ensure that people affected by the project can restore or improve their living conditions and livelihoods.

Climate Change Impact Assessment (CCIA), A full assessment of the project's vulnerability to climate change, developed in accordance with the IHA Hydropower Sector Climate Resilience Guide (2019) this plan evaluates the project's vulnerability to climate change and establishes iterative risk management and adaptation strategies. It includes technical studies such as:

Environmental Flow Management Plan: This plan defines the quantity, timing, and quality of water flows required to maintain downstream ecosystems and human livelihoods. It must include a continuous monitoring and adjustment program.

Climate Risk Management Plan: Implementation of iterative and continuous risk management and adaptation strategies.

Hydrometeorological Modeling: Establishment of a specific regional climate model, incorporating historical meteorological and hydrological data to estimate future risks and error margins.

Climate Resilience Action and Adaptation Plan: Development of a concrete plan to address identified climatic and non-climatic vulnerabilities, ensuring the project's long-term resilience.