Tunisia Tenders First Solar-Plus-Storage Project: 300 MW PV and 150 MW Batteries
Tunisia is taking a significant leap forward in its renewable energy transition, signaling a new era for its power grid. The country’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has officially launched a tender for its first-ever utility-scale solar-plus-storage project, a landmark initiative that combines a massive photovoltaic plant with a substantial battery energy storage system (BESS).
This pioneering project is set to accelerate Tunisia’s clean energy ambitions and modernize its national grid infrastructure.
Project Deep Dive: Key Details for Tunisia solar storage
The tender outlines a large-scale development designed to generate and store clean energy, enhancing grid stability and reliability. The project will be developed in the south of the country under a concession agreement.
Here are the core specifications of the tender:
- Solar Capacity: A 300 MW photovoltaic (PV) solar plant.
- Battery Storage: A 150 MW / 540 MWh battery storage system. This capacity is designed to store excess solar energy generated during the day and dispatch it during periods of high demand or when the sun is not shining, providing a stable power supply.
- Location: The facility will be situated in Bazma, near KĂ©bili, a region in southern Tunisia known for its excellent solar resources. The designated site covers approximately 400 to 440 hectares.
- Tender Timeline: Interested developers must register by May 8, 2026, with the final deadline for bid submission set for October 14, 2026.
This project represents Tunisia’s inaugural foray into combining large-scale solar generation with energy storage, a critical step for integrating intermittent renewable sources into the national grid. Further details can be found in reports from outlets like Mercom India and ESS News.
A Strategic Leap for Tunisia’s Energy Future with solar storage
The Bazma project is more than just a power plant; it’s a cornerstone of Tunisia’s long-term energy strategy. The government has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. This solar-plus-storage initiative is a crucial component in achieving those goals.
The integration of a 540 MWh battery system is particularly significant. It addresses the primary challenge of solar power—its intermittency—by ensuring that clean electricity is available on demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based peaker plants and improving overall grid resilience.
This tender is part of a broader push to expand Tunisia’s renewable capacity, which includes plans for over 5 GW of new projects. It builds on recent momentum, including the development of nearly 1 GW of operational solar capacity and plans for future tenders for an additional 2 GW of wind and 350 MW of solar power.
As noted by GreentechLead, this tender is a clear move to fast-track the country’s renewable energy deployment.
What’s Next for Tunisia solar storage?
With the tender officially launched, the international energy community will be closely watching for the list of pre-qualified bidders and the final results later in the year. While specific timelines for construction and commissioning have not yet been announced, this project is set to become a benchmark for renewable energy development in Tunisia and the wider North Africa region.
This move firmly places Tunisia on the map as a key emerging market for advanced clean energy solutions, demonstrating a strong commitment to a sustainable and secure energy future.
