The African Development Bank (AfDB) on Monday welcomed the commissioning of Tunisia’s 120 megawatt-peak Kairouan solar photovoltaic power plant, describing it as a major step toward strengthening the country’s energy security.
Developed by AMEA Power in partnership with the Tunisian government and international financiers, the project is the first solar facility in Tunisia to exceed 100 megawatts of installed capacity.
It is also the first renewable power project to inject electricity into the 225-kilovolt high-voltage grid operated by the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG).
The AfDB said it provided about $25 million in financing for the project, using its own resources and the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa.
The plant is expected to generate around 222 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying nearly 43,000 households.
It will also cut carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 117,000 tonnes a year, supporting Tunisia’s climate commitments.
Officials said the project will reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and limit exposure to global energy price swings.
The commissioning marks progress toward Tunisia’s goal of sourcing 35% of installed power capacity from renewables by 2030.
AfDB said the project aligns with its priorities on climate action, resilient infrastructure and private-sector-led green growth.