The Tunisian government has announced plans to develop a 120-megawatt solar power plant in the Ramada West region of Tataouine, with an estimated cost of around 80 million euros. The plant will be built on an area of approximately 200 hectares and will feature a 225 kV high-voltage overhead power line, 2 km long, which will be connected to the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company's grid.
The project, expected to be completed within 15 to 18 months, will commence in the second quarter of 2027 and is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, during the construction phase. Once operational, the plant is expected to sustain between 10 and 15 permanent jobs. The project aims to produce approximately 260 GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of around 200,000 inhabitants.
The solar power plant is also expected to contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 130,000 tons annually. An environmental and social impact assessment study was presented during a recent meeting, which considered potential environmental and social opportunities to enhance the project's sustainability. The study is open to suggestions and observations, which will be taken into account in coordination with the project's financiers.
According to Amir Al-Berengui, the Governor of Tataouine, the project's implementation aligns with the state's strategy to reduce the energy deficit, improve energy independence, and increase the share of renewable energy in the national electricity mix. The project is part of Tunisia's efforts to promote sustainable development and mitigate climate change.
The meeting, which took place at the Tataouine Governorate, brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company, the project's financiers, and local authorities. The attendees discussed the project's components, timeline, and potential impact on the region.
The development of the solar power plant is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, particularly in terms of job creation and infrastructure development. The project will also contribute to Tunisia's efforts to increase its renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.
The project's implementation is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the plant expected to be operational by 2028. The project's success will depend on various factors, including the availability of financing, the effectiveness of the project's management, and the level of support from local communities.
Key points
- The project aims to produce 260 GWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the consumption of around 200,000 inhabitants.
- The solar power plant is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 130,000 tons annually.
- The project will create numerous job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, during the construction phase and sustain between 10 and 15 permanent jobs once operational.
