• AMEA Power commissioned a 120-MWp solar photovoltaic plant in Kairouan, Tunisia’s largest to date.
• The project marks Tunisia’s first renewable installation above 100 MWp and the first concession project to reach operation.
• The plant will produce about 222 GWh annually and avoid nearly 117,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year.

Independent renewable power producer AMEA Power announced on Tuesday, December 16, the commercial commissioning of a 120-MWp solar photovoltaic plant in Kairouan governorate. The project becomes the country’s largest solar park and the first renewable installation to exceed 100 MWp. The project also represents the first concession-based renewable project to achieve both financial close and commercial operation.

The plant connects directly to the transmission network of Tunisia’s electricity and gas utility STEG through a 225-kV high-voltage line. The facility also includes an on-site substation. With its unprecedented capacity, the plant will generate about 222 GWh of electricity per year. This output equals the annual consumption of roughly 43,000 households.

According to the developer, the project will also avoid nearly 117,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The company said the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank Group, and the African Development Bank provided the project financing.

“The commissioning of this solar plant marks an important milestone in Tunisia’s energy transition. This achievement reflects AMEA Power’s continued commitment to supporting the long-term development of renewable energy in Tunisia and contributing to a more sustainable future for generations to come,” said Hussain Al Nowais, chairman of AMEA Power.

The project comes as Tunisia faces high energy dependence. International Energy Agency data show natural gas accounted for about 95% of Tunisia’s total electricity generation in 2023. Net imports of natural gas covered 64.3% of the country’s total supply.

To reduce this dependence, Tunisia aims to raise the share of solar and wind to 35% of the electricity mix by 2030. The government relies heavily on private investment to accelerate renewable capacity deployment.

This article was initially published in French by Abdoullah Diop

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum