The 75 MW onshore project marks the first Tunisian wind initiative approved under the Joint Crediting Mechanism, with annual CO₂ savings estimated at 88,367 tonnes.
In a significant milestone for Tunisian-Japanese climate cooperation, the 75 MW onshore wind farm project in El Fahs, located in the Zaghouan Governorate, was officially selected in July 2026 to receive a grant from the Japanese government under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). The mechanism, established under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enables Japan to finance greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in partner countries while generating carbon credits that contribute to both nations’ climate commitments.
The El Fahs project is the first Tunisian wind energy initiative to be approved under this framework and the fifth JCM project overall in Tunisia. The Joint Committee gave its formal “no objection” decision on June 15, 2026, clearing the way for the project’s advancement.
A Norwegian-Japanese Partnership
The project will be developed by a joint venture combining Norwegian renewable energy giant Scatec ASA and Japanese firm Eurus Energy Holdings Corporation. Scatec, which holds a 50% stake, has already secured a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tunisia’s state-owned utility, the Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz (STEG). The remaining 50% is held by Aeolus SAS, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Toyota Tsusho Group.
Total capital expenditure for the project is estimated at approximately €100 million ($118 million), with financing expected to be finalized in the first half of 2027. Scatec plans to apply its integrated model covering engineering, procurement, construction, asset management, and operations and maintenance services.
“The El Fahs wind project is a strategic milestone as we expand our presence in Tunisia and partnership with Aeolus while broadening our technology footprint,” said Terje Pilskog, CEO of Scatec.
Location and Environmental Impact
The wind farm will be situated in the El Fahs region, approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Tunis. The site benefits from strong wind resources supported by long-term, high-quality wind data, making it an ideal location for onshore wind generation.
According to Japan’s Ministry of the Environment, the project is expected to avoid approximately 88,367 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually by displacing electricity that would otherwise be generated from fossil fuel sources. The electricity produced will be supplied directly to STEG for integration into Tunisia’s national grid.
The Joint Crediting Mechanism: Article 6 in Action
The Joint Crediting Mechanism is a bilateral international crediting program that is fully compliant with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement. Under the mechanism, Japan supports the deployment of low-carbon technologies in partner countries through grants and technical cooperation. The emission reductions achieved are measured, verified, and converted into carbon credits, which are then shared between Japan and the partner country.
The mechanism guarantees the absence of double counting in accordance with the Paris Agreement. JCM credits are tracked with corresponding adjustments and can be used toward both Japan’s and partner countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Japan has now expanded the JCM to include 32 partner countries, with over 300 projects currently under implementation worldwide.
Tunisia’s Growing Renewable Energy Portfolio
The El Fahs project joins a growing pipeline of JCM-supported renewable energy initiatives in Tunisia. In April 2026, two 50 MW photovoltaic solar plants were commissioned in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid. A 100 MW solar project in Sidi Bouzid is currently under development, while a 130 MW photovoltaic project in Gabès was selected for JCM funding in February 2026. The Gabès project is expected to avoid approximately 82,656 tonnes of CO₂ per year.
These projects are generating employment during both construction and operational phases while contributing to Tunisia’s ambitious renewable energy targets. The country aims to increase the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 35% by 2030.
A Model for International Climate Cooperation
The selection of the El Fahs wind project represents a concrete example of how Article 6 of the Paris Agreement can facilitate cross-border climate action. By combining Japanese financial support with Norwegian technical expertise and Tunisian renewable energy potential, the project demonstrates the power of international cooperation in accelerating the global energy transition.
As Tunisia continues to diversify its electricity supply and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, the El Fahs wind farm stands as a testament to the growing partnership between Tunis and Tokyo in the fight against climate change.
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