Voltalia Secures 130-Megawatt Solar Project in Tunisia’s Gafsa Region

Voltalia, a key player in renewable energies, has emerged victorious in securing a significant solar project near Gafsa in south-west Tunisia. This 130-megawatt project underscores Voltalia’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions in the region, with anticipated benefits equivalent to powering over 700,000 inhabitants.

Building on its extensive experience and dedication to the region spanning over five years, Voltalia’s success in securing the 130-megawatt solar project in the Gafsa region marks a significant milestone. The project’s output is poised to make a substantial impact, catering to the energy needs of a vast population.

The project’s revenue will stem from a 30-year power sales contract with STEG (Société Tunisienne de l’Électricité et du Gaz), the primary operator of Tunisia’s public grid. This partnership solidifies Tunisia’s commitment to ramping up its renewable energy production, targeting a 30% share by 2030, a notable increase from the 2.2% recorded in 2023.

In a country blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine annually, solar energy emerges as a particularly competitive alternative to traditional thermal power plants, which rely heavily on imported natural gas. Moreover, Tunisia’s vulnerability to climate change, characterized by its significant agriculture sector and high urbanization rates, accentuates the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy sources.

Construction for the solar project is slated to commence in 2025, with commissioning expected by 2026. Sébastien Clerc, CEO of Voltalia, expressed delight at the project’s success, highlighting Tunisia’s favorable climate conditions, supportive governmental policies, and robust backing from international financial institutions as key enablers of its renewable energy potential.

Voltalia’s triumph in securing the 130-megawatt solar project underscores the company’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in Tunisia. With construction set to commence in 2025 and commissioning expected by 2026, the project represents a significant step towards achieving Tunisia’s renewable energy goals and mitigating the impacts of climate change on the country’s economy and environment.