Tunisia Issues Call for 300MW/150MW Solar-Plus-Storage Project

Why It Matters

The project accelerates Tunisia’s energy transition, bolstering grid stability while attracting foreign renewable investment.

Key Takeaways

• 300 MW solar, 150 MW battery project announced.
• Site spans 440 ha near Bazma, southern Tunisia.
• Bids due 14 Oct 2026, deadline noon local.
• Tunisia targets 2 GW wind, 350 MW solar 2026.
• Chinese solar imports rank top five in Africa.

Pulse Analysis

Tunisia is rapidly reshaping its energy landscape as it seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet ambitious climate targets. The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has already launched a 500 MW solar tender in 2024 and approved procurement for 2 GW of wind power alongside 350 MW of solar PV for 2026. These moves signal a clear policy shift toward large‑scale renewables, with solar‑plus‑storage emerging as a strategic tool to balance intermittent generation and strengthen grid resilience in the arid south.

The latest call invites developers to deliver a 300 MW photovoltaic plant coupled with a 150 MW/540 MWh battery energy storage system on a 440‑hectare plot near Bazma. By setting the bid deadline for 14 October 2026, the government gives ample time for international firms such as Norway’s Scatec and France’s Voltalia, which have already secured PPAs for multi‑hundred‑megawatt projects, to submit proposals. Integrating storage directly with solar capacity not only smooths output fluctuations but also creates a firm‑ingress resource for the state utility STEG, enhancing supply security and enabling higher renewable penetration.

China’s expanding footprint adds another layer to Tunisia’s renewable surge. In 2025, the country entered the top five African markets for Chinese solar equipment, reflecting both competitive pricing and the continent’s growing appetite for clean power. This import surge dovetails with the government’s procurement agenda, offering developers a ready supply chain for panels, inverters and balance‑of‑system components. As financing mechanisms improve and regional interconnections mature, the Bazma project could become a benchmark for hybrid renewable schemes across North Africa, attracting further foreign capital and accelerating the continent’s energy transition.