Tunisia launches four solar plants worth $5.54mn in Medenine

Tunisia’s Ministry of Energy has commissioned four solar power plants in the Medenine governorate, each with a capacity of 2MW, Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP) reported on April 13. 

The move comes as part of the Tunisian government's efforts to accelerate the country’s energy transition and reduce reliance on conventional fuels. The projects were developed under the ministry’s fifth licensing programme, with a total investment of TND 16mn ($5.54mn). 

The newly operational plants are expected to deliver tangible economic benefits, including reducing electricity production costs by around TND 1.5mn annually. In addition, they are projected to cut natural gas imports by roughly TND 4.5mn per year.

Speaking at the inauguration, Secretary of State for Energy Transition Wael Chouchane said the projects align with Tunisia’s national energy strategy, which aims to generate 35% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 50% by 2035.

He noted the importance of such investments in diversifying the energy mix, strengthening local economic development, and ensuring a stable electricity supply, particularly in regions facing infrastructure challenges.

During the visit, officials also reviewed progress on a high- to medium-voltage substation project on the Ras Jedir–Ben Guerdane road, aimed at enhancing grid reliability and supporting future demand growth in Medenine.