The Tunisian government is launching three tenders for 1,700 MW of renewable energy in Tunisia by 2025. The proposal includes the Hecha and Khobna photovoltaic plants and eight solar projects of 100 MW each. In addition, the call covers a wind power component with eight sites of up to 75 MW each. The initiative will be supported by investments of 5 billion dinars (1.6 billion USD) according to Naila Nouira, Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy.
Call for tenders for 1,100 MW of solar energy
As part of the national program for the development of renewable energy, the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy invites interested developers to submit proposals. The first part of the call for tenders (No. 03-2022) concerns two projects of photovoltaic production in concession. The solar power plants will be located in Hecha, 300 ha governorate of Gabes and Khobna, 270 ha governorate of Sidi Bouzid.
The second component concerns eight individual photovoltaic projects of up to 100 MW each for a total of 800 MW. The deliberation concerning these renewable energy projects in Tunisia is taking place in four phases with two projects per phase according to the following submission dates
- First phase: Thursday, June 15, 2023 at 12:00 (Tunis time)
- Second phase March 2024
- Third phase: November 2024
- Fourth phase: September 2025
The government invites developers to bid for a 100 MW concession project. Site selection is the responsibility of the developer.
600 MW of renewable wind energy
The third part of the call for tenders (No. 02-2022) covers wind power plants and developer sites under concession. The national development program includes the addition of eight wind power projects. The maximum allowable individual project capacity is 75 MW over the period 2022-2025. The tender will be conducted in four phases with two projects per phase according to the following submission dates:
- First phase: Thursday, September 14, 2023 at noon
- Second phase: May 2024
- Third phase: February 2025
- Fourth and final phase: November 2025
The ministry states that developers must submit a bid for a 75 MW wind project under concession. The promoters will have the freedom to choose the site, which will be at their charge and under their responsibility.
The Tunisian government wishes to acquire 1.1 GW of additional installed solar capacity, but also to develop its wind farm with 600 MW. This addition demonstrates the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the country’s energy transition while providing financial opportunities for the renewable energy sector in Tunisia. The country also plans to increase its phosphate production. According to Minister Naila Nouira, the target is 12 million tons in 2025 compared to 3.7 million tons in 2022.
