AfrElec: Tunisian government tenders for 200 MW of solar projects

The Tunisian government has launched a tender to allocate 200 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity through the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, the ministry said in a statement on October 21, cited by Renewables Now.

The tender aligns with the government’s efforts to increase renewable energy capacity and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources. PM Kamel Madouri said last week that the government is determined to create a favourable investment climate for Tunisian and foreign investors, particularly in promising sectors such as renewable energy.

The ministry explained that developers will have until January 31, 2025 to submit proposals to the ministry's Central Registry Office.

Tunisia's state-owned electricity and gas company, STEG, will purchase the solar plant's output through a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA), with tariffs regulated by an October 2024 decision. 

Earlier in 2024, Tunisia awarded two solar projects totalling 330 MW, with Dubai-based AMEA Power securing a 200-MW project in Tataouine and French Voltalia handling a 130-MW project near Gafsa.

In addition, Toyota Tsusho’s subsidiary Aeolus announced plans to participate in two independent power producer (IPP) projects to construct, own and operate 100-MW solar power plants and sell electricity in Tunisia. 

Tunisia relies on imports for most of its energy sources, such as oil and natural gas. The government plans to increase the renewable energy share to 35% of the country’s energy mix by 2030 and is running a renewable energy procurement programme to achieve this target.

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