Tunisia: Agreements signed for two new solar power plants

Tunisia signs two agreements with foreign companies for the construction of solar power plants in Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur. These projects are part of the country's energy strategy to increase the share of renewable energies.

Share:

Tunisia is stepping up the development of its energy infrastructure with the signing of two new agreements for the construction of solar power plants in Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur. These partnerships are part of the country’s long-term energy strategy, which aims to diversify its sources of electricity supply and reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports.
The two photovoltaic power plants, each with a capacity of 50 megawatts, will be built in collaboration with the Norwegian company Scatec and the Japanese company Aeolus.
Commissioning is scheduled for next year, in line with Tunisia’s objectives to increase the share of renewable energies in its energy mix.
Total financing amounts to 79 million euros, covering all the facilities and infrastructure required for their implementation.

A structuring project for energy independence

These projects are part of a wider drive by the Tunisian government to improve its energy independence in the face of ever-increasing consumption.
Since 2010, Tunisia’s energy dependence has grown considerably.
It has risen from 5% to 50% of national consumption by 2022, according to World Bank figures.
This situation makes it necessary to accelerate investment in renewable energy sources, in particular to compensate for declining production of local oil and gas resources.
Tunisia’s energy strategy aims to achieve 35% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2030, and to further reduce this dependence on fossil fuels by 2050.
The Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur projects are part of a larger project comprising the Kairouan and Gafsa power plants, each with a capacity of 100 megawatts, and the Tataouine plant, which will have a capacity of 200 megawatts.

Economic and industrial outlook

The installation of these solar infrastructures in Tunisia should have a significant economic impact.
In addition to boosting the country’s electricity production capacity, these projects offer industrial opportunities and jobs, particularly during the construction phase.
They also represent an important step in the development of Tunisia’s renewable energy sector, positioning the country as a potential regional player in this sector.
Financing for these plants is largely provided by foreign partners.
The involvement of Scatec and Aeolus in these projects bears witness to the interest of international investors in Tunisia’s energy potential.
In the longer term, the success of these initiatives could encourage new collaborations, particularly with other international players in the energy sector.

Challenges in meeting the 2030 targets

Despite this progress, major challenges remain for Tunisia.
One of the main obstacles is the country’s ability to rapidly develop infrastructure capable of meeting growing demand.
The energy transition process also requires regulatory and economic adjustments to facilitate the integration of renewable energies into the national grid.
In addition, improving energy efficiency remains crucial to the success of the 2030 objectives.
This calls for sectoral reforms, as well as better coordination between public and private players.
The implementation of solar projects, such as those in Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur, therefore represents a crucial step in this transition, but further efforts will be needed to achieve the targets set.

The global photovoltaic films market is expected to see significant growth, reaching $41.59bn by 2034 due to the development of new solar technologies and the increasing demand for encapsulation suited to these innovations, a recent study indicates.
Italian group Plenitude has begun building Entrenúcleos, a 200 MW photovoltaic plant near Seville, set to deliver more than 435 GWh a year from 2026 while trialling locally produced green steel.
The state-controlled refiner has launched a 7.5-megawatt photovoltaic unit off Qingdao, the country’s first commercial installation designed for fully saline waters, intended to supply its future renewable hydrogen production.
The Emirati company Global South Utilities plans to install up to 250 MW of solar capacity in Madagascar, a project aimed at strengthening the national electricity network heavily reliant on fossil fuels and frequently facing energy deficits.
Emerging economies from the BRICS group now account for more than half of global solar electricity production in 2024, driven mainly by China, India, and Brazil, according to a new report by the organisation Ember.
Star Trade, a subsidiary of HD Renewable Energy, has signed a power purchase agreement with Lightsource bp to manage electricity distribution from a 115 MWp solar project located in Chiayi, strengthening their presence in the Taiwanese market.
TotalEnergies will develop a 1.8 MW photovoltaic installation for Daehwa Pharmaceutical, covering approximately 20% of the annual energy requirements of the production site located in Hoengseong-gun, South Korea, under a 20-year agreement.
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners announces full operational launch of Cleve Hill Solar Park, now becoming the largest active photovoltaic power plant in the United Kingdom with a total installed capacity reaching 373 MW.
European photovoltaic module manufacturer BISOL is integrating G12R solar cells into its product range, replacing the former M10 cells, to improve product performance and technological competitiveness starting from the second quarter of 2025.
Adani Green Energy Limited becomes the first Indian company to achieve 15,539.9 MW of operational renewable capacity, cementing its position among the global top 10 independent green power producers.
Italian group Pronur establishes itself in Saudi Arabia with support from AstroLabs, aiming to provide advanced technologies in the renewable energy sector and develop new industrial partnerships.
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. announces the launch of a $2mn public offering to finance working capital, product development and general expenses.
Ardian Clean Energy Evergreen Fund takes control of 117 photovoltaic plants totalling 116 MW in Italy, further consolidating its presence in the country’s renewable energy sector.
Zelestra has secured $282mn financing from Natixis CIB, BNP Paribas and BCI for its Aurora project, combining a 220 MWdc solar plant and 1 GWh storage capacity in the Tarapacá region, Chile.
Egypt has been building an industrial photovoltaic solar complex in Ain Sokhna since June 19, aiming to stimulate strategic local production with a total investment of $200 million funded by the Chinese group Sunrev.
Générale du Solaire has inaugurated in Leutenheim, Bas-Rhin, a floating photovoltaic plant of approximately 20 MWc installed on a former gravel pit, marking the region's first large-scale project supported by successful local participatory funding.
Plenitude and Modine have signed an agreement to build a photovoltaic plant with an installed capacity of 1.585 MWp in Pocenia, designed to power thermal and refrigeration equipment at Modine’s Italian industrial site, without initial investment.
Namibia begins construction of its largest solar plant, Sores|Gaib, aiming to reduce dependence on energy imports by leveraging its solar potential, considered among the highest globally according to the World Bank.
Bangladesh’s interim government has ordered mandatory deployment of solar systems on public building rooftops to reduce reliance on costly fossil fuel imports amid a fragile economic backdrop.
The Energy Progress Report 2025 shows an improvement in global electricity access to 92%, but highlights that 666 million people remain without electricity, particularly due to insufficient international funding for rural areas.