- Tunisia awards four solar projects totalling 498 MWac to reduce energy import reliance and boost renewables.
- French firms Qair, Voltalia, and Norway’s Scatec will develop 100 MWac plants in solar-rich Gafsa, Gabes, and Sidi Bouzid.
- Tunisia aims for 35% renewable energy by 2030, addressing rising energy dependence and reducing economic strain.
Tunisia advances its energy transition by awarding four solar photovoltaic projects totalling 498 MWac. The Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy announced these contracts on December 26 to reduce energy import dependence and promote renewable energy.
These projects form the first phase of a 1,700 MWac tender launched in 2022. Tunisia seeks to increase the share of renewables to 35% in its energy mix by 2030, addressing the country’s rising energy deficit. Heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels strains Tunisia’s economy and widens the fiscal deficit.
French companies Qair International SAS, Voltalia SA, and Norwegian firm Scatec will develop three awarded projects, each with a capacity of 100 MWac. These plants will operate in Gafsa, Gabes, and Sidi Bouzid, regions known for their high solar potential. Qair International will also handle a fourth project, generating 198 MWac on a site chosen by the government to maximise solar output.
According to the World Bank, Tunisia’s energy dependence has surged from 5% in 2010 to 50% in 2022. This increase worsens trade imbalances and puts financial pressure on the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG), contributing to the budget deficit.
By adding new solar capacity, Tunisia aims to cut fossil fuel imports and lower energy costs. The government demonstrates a clear political will to push renewable energy and achieve energy autonomy, aligning with global efforts to fight climate change.
Accelerating the renewable energy program creates opportunities for both international and local companies. Tunisia’s strategy marks a crucial shift in managing energy resources and pursuing environmental sustainability.