The Republic of Tunisia will soon add 500 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) to its energy generation capacity. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies, Republic of Tunisia, has announced a tender for the development of 500 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects across the country.

The projects will be developed on a build, own, operate model in  five locations in Tunisia. These include the development of 50 MW of solar PV projects in the governorate (province) of Tozeur and the governorate of Sidi Bouzid, 100 MW of solar PV projects in the governorate of Kairouan and the governorate of Gafsa, and another 200 MW solar PV project in the Tataouine governorate (in Borj Bourguiba, Sahara Project).

Interested developers or contractors have been invited to submit their pre-qualification offer. Offers will be evaluated based on developer experience in development, financing, construction, and concession operation of similar solar projects.

This tender is a part of the shift towards renewables in Tunisia.

There have been several financing deals announced recently by development banks to support solar development in the Africa.

Recently, the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved a $324 million (~₹20.84 billion) in loan support for two renewable energy projects. The projects are being developed in Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire.

The African Development Bank also approved a $1.5-million grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) to support the Nigerian government’s implementation of Phase 1 of the Jigawa 1-GW Independent Power Producer (IPP) Solar Procurement Program.

In another deal, The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced plans to provide $25 million in financing to low-cost solar power provider D.light design to strengthen energy access in Africa through the installation of solar kits that do not require grid connectivity.

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