Tunisia has formally commissioned its largest-ever solar power facility while announcing a major new round of project tenders, marking a potential turning point for a renewables sector long hampered by delays.
The 100-megawatt Kairouan solar photovoltaic plant, developed by UAE-based AMEA Power, entered commercial operation at the end of 2025. Concurrently, the Tunisian government approved plans to launch tenders for 2.35 gigawatts (GW) of new wind and solar power projects in 2026, according to official announcements.
These moves represent a concerted effort to accelerate the country’s energy transition. Tunisia has set a national target of generating 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030—a goal that will require a substantial and rapid scaling up of capacity.
Progress toward that objective has been incremental. Renewable energy accounted for a record 5.1% of national power generation in 2024, as reported by the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy. Analysts suggest that figure is unlikely to have risen dramatically in 2025, citing persistent challenges in project financing and implementation that have slowed development in recent years.
The newly operational Kairouan plant, therefore, stands as a critical milestone. Its capacity alone is expected to provide electricity for approximately 100,000 households and offset over 120,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
The government appears to be signaling a new phase of urgency with its tender plan for an additional 2.35 GW. If successfully awarded and built, these new wind and solar projects would represent a near-quadrupling of the country’s current operational renewable capacity.
Energy experts caution, however, that attracting the necessary private investment will be key. “The tendering of such a large pipeline is a positive and necessary step,” said a regional energy analyst, who noted that previous projects have been stalled by protracted negotiations over power purchase agreements and financing. “The credibility of the 2030 target now hinges on the execution and bankability of these upcoming tenders.”
The dual developments—a major plant coming online and a massive pipeline announced—suggest Tunisian authorities are seeking to rebuild momentum. Success in this renewed push is seen as essential not only for climate goals but also for enhancing energy security and reducing the financial burden of fossil fuel imports on the state budget.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
