Can Tunisia build a large-scale solar project?

Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has kicked off a new procurement exercise for large-scale solar. Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has launched a tender for the construction of several large-scale PV projects with a combined capacity of 200 MW.

Does Tunisia support solar?

Tunisia is supporting utility-scale solar through a series of tenders, the latest of which was launched in January 2023. It also finalized a 500 MW solar tender in December 2019. The country's cumulative installed PV capacity stood at just 506 MW by the end of 2023, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

What is the Tunisian Solar Plan?

The Tunisian Solar Plan contains 40 projects aimed at promoting solar thermal and photovoltaic energies, wind energy, as well as energy efficiency measures. The plan also incorporates the ELMED project; a 400KV submarine cable interconnecting Tunisia and Italy.

When do solar projects start in Tunisia?

Interested developers have until Jan. 15 to submit their project proposals. Tunisia is supporting utility-scale solar through a series of tenders, the latest of which was launched in January 2023. It also finalized a 500 MW solar tender in December 2019.

How much money is needed to implement the Tunisian Solar Program?

The total investment required to implement the Tunisian Solar Program plan have been estimated at $2.5 billion, including $175 million from the National Fund, $530 million from the public sector, $1,660 million from private sector funds, and $24 million from international cooperation.

Where is the first large scale solar power plant in Tunisia?

The first large scale solar power plant of a 10MW capacity, co-financed by KfW and NIF (Neighbourhood Investment Facility) and implemented by STEG, is in Tozeur. TuNur CSP project is Tunisia’s most ambitious renewable energy project yet.