Tunisia-With the least tariffs in Africa, Tunisia generates 500 megawatts of solar energy

In 2016, the government embarked on a journey to effectuate its plan to generate electricity from renewable energies. The Minister of Industry, Energy and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise published proposals request to complete five solar photovoltaic projects with a capital investment of 1200 million, distributed over Kairouan, Gafsa, Sidi Bouzid, Tozeur and Tataouine.
The Ministry has received 8 offers from the largest international corporations in renewable energy, which supports the interest and faith in the Tunisian economy.
The Norwegian company Scatec has submitted tariff proposals for the construction of a solar PV plant in Tataouine, with a capacity of 200 megawatts and 2.44 US cents per kilowatt-hour. These tariffs can lessen the costs of generating electricity nationwide and diminish natural gas imports by 5%. These projects, which costs an estimated 1.2 billion dinars, will enter into operation starting 2021. Tunisia intends to boost its share of renewable energy by 30%.

These projects are part of the Government’s strategy to expand a new energy policy that responds to consumer needs. The government is seeking to make changes from traditional energy consumption systems to a new and sustainable energy model that is based on diversification.