Tunisia unveils 300MW solar project with major battery storage in Kebili

Tunisia has officially launched a tender for a new utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant in the Bazma region of the Kebili Governorate, Attaqa reported on March 9. 

According to the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy, the project is a cornerstone of the nation’s accelerated energy transition strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Tunisia aims to generate 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 to cut its reliance on imported natural gas. To achieve this, the government is accelerating the Tunisian Solar Plan by launching utility-scale tenders in high-radiation southern regions like Kebili and Tataouine.

The project features a 300MW solar power capacity, integrated with a massive battery energy storage system (BESS) with 540MWh of capacity. The storage component is designed to stabilise the national grid and ensure a consistent supply of clean energy, addressing the intermittent nature of solar power.

In Tunisia's southern desert regions, the initiative seeks to bolster national energy security and attract international investment in the high solar irradiance of Tunisia’s southern desert regions. Beyond domestic consumption, these renewable expansions are positioning Tunisia as a future hub for green hydrogen production, intended for export to European markets.

Nizar Tunsi, CEO of NTC Power, said that solar energy has shifted from a purely environmental goal to a highly profitable asset class. While the state focuses on mega-projects, private firms are simultaneously developing smaller plants to diversify the energy mix. This dual approach is expected to stimulate the local economy and significantly lower the country’s carbon footprint.