The first floating solar photovoltaic power plant in the MENA region, located at Lac 3 in Tunisia, went into operation on Saturday with the aim of covering part of the energy needs of the district of La Goulette.
The plant, which covers an area of 2 500 m2, has a capacity of 200 kWp, equivalent to the consumption of 130 households. It will provide 265MWh per year and will contribute to reducing 120 tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
This plant, worth €500,000 ($528,765), is financed by the General Directorate of the Treasury, under the French Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industry. It is built by the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (STEG) in partnership with the international group Qair, an independent electricity producer.
“This plant reflects the potential of Tunisia in the production of alternative energy in the desert or in arid areas,” said Minister of Industry, Energy and Mines, Neila Gonji, at the inauguration.
“Tunisia is determined to develop the renewable energy sector despite the delay it has experienced,” she added, recalling that the goal is to achieve a share of 35% of renewable energy in the national energy mix by 2030.
All renewable energy projects will be connected to the network of STEG, including the projects of Tataouine and Matmata, Director of the central direction of distribution at STEG Nejib Chtourou told TAP.
The CEO of Qair Group, Jerome Billerey, stressed that the company is ready to accompany Tunisia in its energy transition and support it by launching other projects.
TunisianMonitorOnline
