In a decisive shift, Tunisia is rapidly advancing its large-scale solar energy sector, moving past years of stalled progress with multiple photovoltaic (PV) projects now under active construction across the country, according to a report by PV-Magazine.
The Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy has confirmed significant momentum under its two primary development frameworks, signaling a major acceleration in the nation’s quest for energy independence.
Large-Scale Concession Projects Advance
Under the concession regime for major installations, the first 500MW tender program is nearing its final stages. The flagship 100 MW Kairouan solar plant is reportedly 95% complete and slated for grid connection by the end of 2025. Close behind, the 50MW plants in Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur, financed in late 2024, are approximately 80% finished. A project in Gafsa is expected to follow after 2026.
A second, larger 800MW program is also fueling momentum. Three 100MW projects were recently awarded to international developers: France’s Qair International (for El Ksar), Norway’s Scatec (for Mezzouna), and France’s Voltalia (for Menzel Habib). In a separate 300MW tender, Qair also secured a contract for a substantial 198MW plant at El Khobna.
Authorization Framework Sees Flurry of Activity
Parallel to the large tenders, the authorization system for smaller projects (under 10MW) is experiencing a boom. Between late 2024 and mid-2025, authorities approved 186 new agreements, adding 288 MW of capacity. This surge in development is mirrored in trade data, which shows Tunisia imported 655 MW of Chinese PV panels in a 12-month period ending June 2025, ranking it among Africa’s top six solar importers.
A Strategic Shift Towards Energy Security
This combined push marks a critical turning point for Tunisia’s energy transition. The activity is driven by the National Renewable Energy Plan, known as the Tunisian Solar Plan (PST), which sets an ambitious target of deriving 35% of electricity from renewables by 2030. The goal is to curb dependence on expensive imported natural gas.
The current focus remains on rapidly scaling up solar and wind infrastructure. Looking ahead, the government is also crafting a new national strategy for Green Hydrogen production, aimed at future export to Europe via the planned SoutH2 corridor pipeline.
TunisianMonitorOnline (BRC)
