Tunisia has officially inaugurated the Kairouan solar power plant, a 100-megawatt facility that also serves as a cornerstone for a broader strategic energy partnership with Europe.
The plant, which began operations next week, was announced by Ali Kenzari, president of the National Syndicate Chamber for the Installation and Maintenance of Photovoltaic Equipment, on Tunisian National Radio. Kenzari framed the project as a critical milestone in Tunisia’s national strategy to derive 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, a substantial leap from the current level of around 5%.
The Kairouan plant’s launch is closely tied to a much larger infrastructure project: the “Elmed” undersea power cable. This €850 million initiative, a key priority of the Italian government’s Mattei Plan for Africa, aims to create a direct “energy bridge” between Tunisia and Italy by 2027.
A Two-Way Street for Clean Energy
The Elmed project, currently being implemented by Italy’s Terna and Tunisia’s Steg, promises to revolutionize energy exchange across the Mediterranean. The 220-kilometer high-voltage cable—200 kilometers of which will traverse the Strait of Sicily at depths of up to 800 meters—will have a capacity of 600 megawatts.
This infrastructure will enable bidirectional energy flows, allowing Tunisia to potentially export solar power to Europe and import electricity when needed, strengthening energy security for both continents.
Private Sector Drives Ambitious Targets
Kenzari emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector in this transition, noting that approximately 800 specialized photovoltaic companies are now operating in Tunisia. Bolstered by recent reforms and incentives, the country has set ambitious production targets.
“The private sector aims to reach a capacity of 4,800 megawatts by 2030 and 8,500 megawatts by 2035,” Kenzari stated, outlining a vision that would massively scale up the nation’s renewable output.
To support this growth, the International Energy Transition Exhibition is scheduled for November 26-28 in Tunis. The event will conclude with a free training session for renewable energy professionals, highlighting the parallel need to develop local expertise and accelerate the adoption of clean technologies in the Tunisian market.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
