Voltalia, has secured a contract to develop a 130 MWp photovoltaic solar power plant near Gafsa, Tunisia. This initiative is part of the Tunisian Solar Plan (PST), aiming to increase renewable energy production.
The contract involves the French independent power producer (IPP), to execute the project through a public-private partnership (PPP), with electricity generated sold to Société tunisienne de l’électricité et du gaz (STEG) for 30 years.
READ:100MW photovoltaic power station to be constructed in Tunisia
Tunisia’s target
Sébastien Clerc, Voltalia’s Managing Director, expressed enthusiasm for the project, citing Tunisia’s favorable climate, supportive government policies, and international financial backing. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2025, with the plant expected to be operational by 2026, supplying electricity to approximately 70,000 Tunisian households.
The endeavor aligns with Tunisia’s ambition to boost renewable energy production, targeting a 30% share by 2030, up from 2.2% in 2023. Voltalia underscores the viability of solar energy in Tunisia, given its abundant sunlight and cost competitiveness compared to gas-dependent thermal plants. The project signifies a shift towards renewable sources, crucial for Tunisia to reduce reliance on imported natural gas, which currently fuels 97% of its electricity generation.
Voltalia’s involvement reflects growing interest from private investors in Tunisia’s renewable energy sector. The company joins UAE-based Amea Power in contributing to Tunisia’s energy transition, with Amea Power already underway with construction on a 120 MWp solar power plant in Kairouan. This influx of investment marks a significant step towards achieving Tunisia’s renewable energy targets and diversifying its energy mix.
