UAE-based developer AMEA power and the government of Tunisia have commissioned the country’s largest solar project in Kairouan. The 120 MW project is expected to generate approximately 222 GWh of electricity annually. The output is enough to power around 43,000 homes. Furthermore, it is Tunisia’s first solar project above 100 MW in size and first under the country’s concession regime. The regime is a legal framework designed to attract private, large-scale energy investors to achieve both financial close and commercial operation.
AMEA Power commenced implementation of the project in May 2024. Moreover, a 20-year power purchase agreement was signed with the country’s state-owned Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz in June 2021.
A statement from AMEA Power adds it is also the first renewable energy project in Tunisia with an integrated substation using a loop-in/loop-out configuration. It is also the first to inject power directly into the 225 kV high-voltage transmission network belonging to STEG. Tunisia is expecting more solar projects down the line as earlier last year it contracted Scatec and Aeolus to build 100MW solar projects.
Scope of Implementation on Tunisia’s Largest Solar Project in Kairouan
The completion of Tunisia’s largest solar project provides a roadmap for similar and grander energy projects to follow. The project was financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Amea Power Chairman, Hussain Al Nowais, said the project strengthens the country’s energy security.
He also noted it reflects AMEA Power’s “unwavering commitment to Tunisia’s long-term renewable energy development.” The Africa Solar Industry Association’s (AFSIA) project database states Tunisia has 728.8 MW of operational solar capacity.
With Amea Power’s plant now online, the country will be moving closer towards the 1 GW benchmark. In March, the Tunisian government granted licenses for four new utility-scale projects with a combined capacity of 500 MW. The projects were also selected under a 1.7 GW renewable energy tender.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Kairouan Solar Power Plant.
Developer: AMEA Power (UAE)
Government Partner: Government of Tunisia
Project Type Utility-scale solar photovoltaic.
Location: Kairouan, Tunisia
Installed Capacity: 120 MW
Status: Operational / Commissioned.
Commissioning Start: May 2024
Power Generation:
Annual Output: 222 GWh
Homes Powered: 43,000 households
Contractual Structure:
Power Purchase Agreement: 20 years.
Offtaker: Societe Tunisienne de l’Electricite et du Gaz (STEG)
PPA Signed: June 2021
Laws and Regulations: Tunisian renewable energy concession regime.
Grid & Technical Features:
In-house on-site substation.
Loop-in/ loop-out set up.
Direct linkage to 225 kV high-voltage transmission network.
Also the first Tunisian project (direct 225 kV injection) that is a renewable energy project.
Financing:
Lenders: International Finance Corporation (IFC), African Development Bank (AfDB).
Major Achievements and differences:
The biggest solar-powered project in Tunisia up to date.
Also the first 100 MW plus solar project in Tunisia.
First project that was provided under the concession regime.
Strategic Significance:
Enhances energy security in the nation.
Also encourages the transition of Tunisia to 1 GW of installed solar power.
It can also be used as an example of the large-scale renewable projects in the future.
