Tunisia has taken a major step in its energy transition with the entry into production of the Kairouan solar power plant, the first major renewable energy project of this scale in the country. The Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Fatma Thabet Chiboub, described this project as strategic, stressing that it was carried out in record time.
The launching ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in the presence of several ambassadors from African countries accredited in Tunisia, the general director of the Emirati company AMEA Power, the general director of the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company (Steg), the governor of Kairouan as well as central and regional executives.
According to the minister, this project marks a first large-scale Tunisian experience in the field of solar energy, both technologically and in terms of know-how transfer. It will directly contribute to strengthening national energy security, reducing the energy deficit and limiting foreign currency expenditure linked to gas imports.
Fatma Thabet Chiboub also recalled that Steg remains the sole buyer of the electricity produced by the plant, welcoming the commitment of the investor as well as the confidence placed in Tunisia by the international donors who participated in financing the project. She presented this achievement as a model of successful partnership in the renewable energy sector.
Human dimension
The human dimension of the project was particularly highlighted. Around 850 executives and 20 companies participated in its creation. Although they did not initially have experience in this type of project, they acquired advanced skills, now allowing Tunisia to have local know-how. The project was carried out with 100% Tunisian skills.
On a technical level, the results exceed expectations. Tests launched a month ago did not reveal any failure, while the plant’s output exceeded forecasts by more than 20% in terms of production, according to the minister.
For his part, the general director of the Kairouan solar power plant, Sahbi Ammar, indicated that it is the largest solar project in the country, with a production capacity exceeding 100 megawatts injected directly into the national network. An extension of the project is already being considered.
Located on an area of approximately 200 hectares, the plant has nearly 221,000 solar panels. It will produce annually a quantity of electricity equivalent to the consumption of around 43,000 Tunisian homes and will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 120,000 tonnes per year. The overall cost of the project is estimated at 260 million dinars.
Alleviate pressure on the national electricity grid
The general director of Steg, Fayçal Trifa, stressed that this plant will help relieve pressure on the national electricity network by providing more than 100 megawatts, the equivalent of powering more than 40,000 subscribers. He also announced the upcoming entry into production of two other solar power plants in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid, with a capacity of 50 megawatts each, before the end of the current administrative year.
Located in the El Metbassta area, falling under the delegation of Sbikha in the governorate of Kairouan, the solar power plant is the result of a Tunisian-Emirati partnership led by the company AMEA Power. This project illustrates Tunisia’s desire to accelerate its shift towards renewable energies and strengthen its energy sovereignty.
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