Emirati renewable energy company, AMEA Power, has started construction on the 120MWp Kairouan solar photovoltaic project in Tunisia. In an announcement, the company revealed that the project is being implemented under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model.
The project’s groundbreaking ceremony which took place earlier this week was attended by Fatma Thabet Chiboub, Tunisia’s minister of Industry, Mines and Energy, Dr. Eman Ahmed Al Salami, UAE Ambassador to Tunisia, Mr. Faiçal Tarifa, General Director of STEG and Mr. Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.
AMEA Power was awarded the tender to build the project through an international tender program that was launched by Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry and SMEs. This 120MWp project is the first project under the concession regime to reach financial close.
The 120MWp Kairouan solar photovoltaic project solar power plant is being constructed for an estimated investment of USD 86 million. The project is being financed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
“This is a significant milestone for AMEA Power, as we officially announce the groundbreaking for the country’s first privately-financed solar project, paving the way for a greener Tunisia,” said Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.
The commissioning of the PV power plant is expected in Q4 2025. Once commissioned, it will be AMEA Power’s first operational asset in the country. It will generate 222GWh of clean energy per year, power more than 43,000 households and will offset 117,000 tonnes of carbon emission over the course of the project’s life. Furthermore it will support the country in reducing its dependence on oil and gas imports.
“By taking advantage of its renewable energy resources, and its strategic location between North Africa and Europe, Tunisia can become a prime location for green energy and trade. This groundbreaking project is a beacon for future renewable energy projects in the country, supporting the government’s goal of achieving 35% of renewable energy in its energy mix by 2030,” added Al Nowais.
The Concession Agreement and the 20-year Power Purchase Agreements with the Société Tunisienne de l’Electricité et du Gaz (STEG) were signed in June 2021, and then ratified by the Government of Tunisia in May 2022.
AMEA Power highlighted that it will work closely with the local communities of the Kairouan governorate as part of its commitment to socio-economic development, and will undertake key social initiatives under its ‘Community Investment and Development Programs’.
