The Tunisian government has approved five utility-scale solar projects with a combined capacity of 500 MW, backed by an investment of 1.2 billion Tunisian dinars (about US$400 million). The projects mark one of the country’s largest investments in renewable energy and will help expand its electricity mix with more solar power.
The new solar projects will produce enough electricity to reduce Tunisia’s reliance on imported natural gas, which currently supplies about 95% of the country’s electricity. Solar energy currently accounts for just 2.7% of power generation.
The government expects the projects to raise solar’s share of electricity generation to around 14% by 2027, increasing the country’s renewable energy capacity.
The projects support Tunisia’s target of generating 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. They will also improve energy security, lower greenhouse gas emissions, encourage private investment, and reduce the country’s dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.
The approval is another step in Tunisia’s shift toward renewable energy. They are expected to strengthen the country’s power sector while creating new opportunities across the renewable energy industry.
source: africa-energy-portal.or
African Energy Council