Construction of the Kairouan solar project in Tunisia is edging closer to completion, with progress surpassing 82% as of September 2025. The progress was highlighted during a recent site visit attended by senior officials, including Secretary of State for Energy Transition Ouael Chouchene, STEG CEO Tarifa Faycel, Governor of Kairouan Dhaker Barguaoui, and Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director for Infrastructure at the World Bank Group.
The 120 MWp facility, located in Metbassta within the Kairouan governorate, is expected to begin commercial operations before the end of the year. Developed by AMEA Power under a Build-Own-Operate model, the project represents Tunisia’s first privately financed solar plant to achieve financial close under the concession regime. With an US $86M investment backed by the International Finance Corporation and the African Development Bank, the initiative marks a defining moment in the country’s shift toward renewable energy.
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Kairouan solar project
Once commissioned, the solar farm will generate an estimated 222 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying power to more than 43,000 households. It is also projected to cut around 117,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, reinforcing Tunisia’s climate ambitions and reducing reliance on imported natural gas.
Covering 200 hectares, the site features over 220,000 solar modules and 16 inverters, with all output contracted to the Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz (STEG) under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
The Kairouan project is part of Tunisia’s wider program to deploy five large-scale solar plants totaling 500 MW across regions such as Tataouine, Gafsa, Tozeur, and Sidi Bouzid. Collectively, these projects aim to strengthen the national grid, diversify energy sources, and position Tunisia as a regional hub for clean power. As construction nears completion, the Kairouan solar plant stands as a milestone in the country’s energy transition showcasing innovation, resilience, and long-term commitment to sustainable growth.