Tunisia Approves 500 MW of Utility-Scale Solar Projects Backed by US$400 Million Investment

The Tunisian government has approved five utility-scale solar power projects with a combined installed capacity of 500 MW, supported by an estimated investment of 1.2 billion Tunisian dinars (approximately US$400 million). The approvals represent one of the country’s largest renewable energy investments to date and are expected to accelerate Tunisia’s transition toward a cleaner and more diversified energy mix.

The approved solar projects are expected to generate sufficient clean electricity to significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported natural gas, which currently accounts for nearly 95% of Tunisia’s electricity generation. At present, solar energy contributes only 2.7% of the national power mix.

According to the government, the new projects are projected to increase solar energy’s share of electricity production to approximately 14% by 2027, marking a substantial expansion of the country’s renewable energy capacity.

The initiative forms part of Tunisia’s broader strategy to achieve 30% renewable electricity generation by 2030. In addition to expanding clean energy capacity, the projects are expected to strengthen national energy security, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, attract private sector investment, and lessen the country’s exposure to fluctuating global fossil fuel prices.

The latest approvals represent a significant milestone in Tunisia’s renewable energy transition and are expected to support the development of a more resilient and sustainable power sector while creating new opportunities across the country’s renewable energy value chain.