Tunisia Commissions 120 MW Solar Plants To Accelerate Renewable Energy Transition

Tunisia has moved forward in its clean energy journey with the commissioning of two new solar power plants in Sidi Bouzid and Tozeur. These projects mark an important step in the country’s plan to increase the share of renewable energy in its overall power mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The plants were developed through a partnership between Scatec and Toyota Tsusho Corporation through its subsidiary Aeolus.

Each solar plant has a capacity of 60 MW, bringing the total installed capacity to 120 MW. The Sidi Bouzid plant started commercial operations earlier this year, while the Tozeur facility has recently become operational. Together, the two plants are expected to generate around 288 GWh of electricity every year. This level of production is sufficient to supply power to a large number of households and will also help reduce carbon emissions by more than 115,000 tonnes annually.

The projects are part of Tunisia’s long-term strategy to diversify its energy sources. At present, the country depends largely on natural gas for electricity generation, which exposes it to price fluctuations and supply risks. To address this, Tunisia has set a target to produce 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. By working with international partners, the country is bringing in both investment and technical expertise to strengthen its energy sector.

The plants operate under a 30-year power purchase agreement with Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz, which ensures a steady supply of electricity to the national grid. Under this agreement, Scatec holds a majority stake of 51% and is responsible for operations and maintenance, while Aeolus owns the remaining 49%.

The total investment in the projects is estimated at €79 million. Financing was arranged through a combination of equity contributions and loans from international institutions such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Proparco.

These solar plants not only add clean power capacity but also highlight Tunisia’s growing commitment to sustainable development. With more renewable projects already planned, the country is steadily moving toward a more secure and environmentally friendly energy future.