AMEA Power Commissions Tunisia’s First 120 MWp Utility-Scale Solar Project In Kairouan

AMEA Power has successfully commissioned a 120 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant in the Kairouan Governorate of Tunisia, marking a major step forward in the country’s clean energy journey. The project is one of the most significant renewable energy developments in Tunisia to date and represents a key milestone in strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on imported fuels.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government and industry leaders, including the Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub; the CEO of the national utility STEG, Faical Tarifa; the Governor of Kairouan, Dhakar Bargaoui; the Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Ouael Chouchene; and AMEA Power Chairman Hussain Al Nowais. Their presence highlighted the national importance of the project and its role in Tunisia’s energy transition.

The Kairouan solar plant is Tunisia’s first renewable energy project with an installed capacity above 100 MWp. It is also the first renewable project developed under the concessions regime to reach both financial close and commercial operation. In addition, it is the first renewable energy project in the country to include an integrated substation with a loop-in and loop-out configuration, and the first to inject electricity directly into STEG’s 225 kV high-voltage transmission network. These achievements make the project a landmark for Tunisia’s power sector.

With an installed capacity of 120 MWp, the plant is expected to generate around 222 GWh of clean electricity every year. This output is sufficient to supply power to approximately 43,000 households. The project will also help avoid about 117,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, supporting Tunisia’s climate goals and efforts to move toward low-carbon power generation.

The solar plant delivers electricity directly into the national grid, helping to improve supply reliability and reduce dependence on energy imports. By strengthening domestic power generation, the project supports Tunisia’s mid-term energy strategy and contributes to greater energy independence.

The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, along with the African Development Bank. Their support played a key role in bringing the project from development to operation.

Commenting on the commissioning, AMEA Power Chairman Hussain Al Nowais said the project is an important milestone for Tunisia’s energy transition. He noted that being the first project under the concession regime to enter operation and the first renewable facility connected to the 225 kV grid demonstrates AMEA Power’s commitment to delivering clean and reliable energy while supporting the country’s long-term renewable energy ambitions.

The commissioning follows the project’s groundbreaking ceremony in 2024 and further strengthens AMEA Power’s track record of delivering large-scale renewable energy projects on time and to high industry standards.