Tunisia has awarded contracts for four major solar projects totaling 1.7 GW, with completion set for 2025 to 2026. These projects are part of Tunisia’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Tunisia solar expansion: Four Major Solar Projects Announced
Tunisia has awarded contracts for four major solar projects, with a total capacity of 1.7 gigawatts (GW). These projects are expected to be completed between the second half of 2025 and the first half of 2026.
The first project is a 200 MW solar plant in Kairouan, which is set to be built by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power. This plant is expected to be operational by mid-2025. The second project is a 400 MW solar plant in Tataouine, which will be constructed by France’s EDF, the United Arab Emirates‘ Masdar, and the Japanese company Jinko Power. This plant is scheduled to come online by the end of 2025.
The third project is a 500 MW solar plant in Sidi Bouzid, with the same consortium of EDF, Masdar, and Jinko Power responsible for its construction. This plant is also expected to be operational by the end of 2025. The fourth project is a 600 MW solar plant in Gafsa, which will be built by a consortium of EDF and Masdar. This plant is projected to be completed by mid-2026.
Tunisia solar expansion: Power Purchase Agreements Signed
The contracts for these projects were awarded following the signing of power purchase agreements (PPAs) with Tunisia’s national utility, Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG). The PPAs guarantee the purchase of electricity generated by these solar plants, ensuring a stable revenue stream for the developers.
The projects are part of Tunisia’s efforts to strengthen its renewable energy infrastructure and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. These solar projects are expected to provide a significant boost to the country’s renewable energy capacity, which currently stands at around 400 MW. According to PV Knowhow, this initiative is pivotal in Tunisia’s broader strategy to develop 1,700 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2027, aiming to reduce its reliance on natural gas and generate 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
The government has been actively promoting renewable energy through various initiatives to attract private investment in the sector. Tunisia’s renewable energy target aims to achieve 3.8 GW of capacity by 2025, with solar power expected to play a crucial role in reaching this goal.
The awarded projects are also part of Tunisia’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By developing large-scale solar projects, Tunisia aims to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
Tunisia solar expansion: Benefits of Solar Projects
The awarded projects will not only contribute to Tunisia’s renewable energy targets but also create job opportunities during the construction and operation phases. The projects are expected to generate thousands of jobs, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.
In addition to job creation, these solar projects will also help reduce Tunisia’s energy import bill. By generating clean and affordable electricity domestically, Tunisia can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, thereby improving its energy security.
The awarded projects are also expected to have a positive impact on local communities. Through corporate social responsibility initiatives, the developers are expected to invest in community development projects, such as education and healthcare, thereby improving the quality of life for residents in the project areas.
Tunisia solar expansion: Challenges and Future Prospects
While the awarded projects represent a significant step forward for Tunisia’s renewable energy sector, challenges remain. One of the main challenges is the country’s limited transmission infrastructure, which may need to be upgraded to accommodate the increased generation capacity from these solar projects.
Despite these challenges, the awarded projects represent a major milestone for Tunisia’s renewable energy sector. With the support of international partners such as ACWA Power, EDF, Masdar, and Jinko Power, Tunisia is well-positioned to achieve its renewable energy targets and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. For more insights, visit PV Knowhow’s Tunisia Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.