AMEA Power Commissions Tunisia’s First 120 MWp Solar PV Project

Tunisia has taken a major stride in renewable energy with the commissioning of a 120 MWp solar photovoltaic plant in Kairouan. The project, developed by AMEA Power in partnership with the Tunisian government and international financial institutions, is the first in the country to exceed 100 MWp and inject electricity directly into STEG’s 225 kV high-voltage grid.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Fatma Thabet Chiboub, STEG CEO Faical Tarifa, Governor of Kairouan Dhakar Bargaoui, and Secretary of State for Energy Transition Ouael Chouchene.

The solar project establishes several unprecedented achievements for Tunisia such as being the first under the concessions regime to reach both financial close and commercial operation; first with an integrated substation using a loop-in/loop-out configuration and first to feed power directly into the 225 kV transmission network.

The facility will generate approximately 222 GWh of clean electricity annually, enough to power 43,000 households, and reduce CO2 emissions by an estimated 117,000 tons each year.

AMEA Power, a leading regional renewable energy developer, was instrumental in bringing the project to completion on schedule and meeting international standards. Hussain Al Nowais said: “This achievement reflects AMEA Power’s commitment to supporting Tunisia’s energy transition. By partnering with the government and international financiers, we have delivered a reliable and sustainable energy solution that benefits communities and the national grid alike.”

Financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), the project reinforces Tunisia’s commitment to low-carbon energy while boosting local economic development. The AfDB contributed $25 million through its own resources and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA).

Welcoming the commissioning, Malinne Blomberg, AfDB Deputy Director General for North Africa and Country Manager for Tunisia, said: “The Kairouan solar project is a decisive step in Tunisia’s energy transition, strengthening energy resilience, reducing emissions, and creating lasting community value.”

She added, “By supporting this transformational project, the Bank reaffirms its commitment to backing high-impact private investment capable of strengthening energy resilience, reducing carbon emissions, and creating lasting value for communities.”

The project is a cornerstone of Tunisia’s mid-term energy strategy, reducing dependence on imported fuels and supporting the country’s climate and energy goals.