• Renewable energy now accounts for 9% of Tunisia’s electricity mix

• Share has more than doubled since 2022, driven by new solar plants

• Government targets 35% renewables by 2030 and 50% by 2035

Tunisia’s renewable energy share in electricity generation has risen sharply, reaching 9% of the national power mix.

The figure was announced on April 21 by Wael Chouchane, secretary of state for energy transition, during an interview on national radio. The announcement came alongside the inauguration of the Tozeur solar photovoltaic plant, which has a capacity of 50 megawatts.

This marks a rapid increase in the role of renewables in Tunisia’s power generation. In 2022, renewable sources accounted for just 3.1% of electricity production, according to the Ministry of Energy’s Energy Balance Report. By 2024, the share had risen to 4%.

In less than two years, the proportion has more than doubled, reflecting the rollout of new solar projects. In addition to the Tozeur plant, the Mezouna solar facility in the Sidi Bouzid governorate was inaugurated the same day, also with a capacity of 50 megawatts. These plants add to existing capacity.

They complement earlier installations, including the Metbasta plant in Kairouan, which is already operational. Developed by private operators under concession agreements, these projects are part of a national program targeting 500 megawatts of photovoltaic capacity across five governorates.

Tunisia aims to raise the share of renewables in its electricity mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035. To support these targets, five additional projects totaling 600 megawatts are in preparation, pending the adoption of the necessary regulatory framework.

Abdel-Latif Boureima