Paris-based renewable power plants operator Voltalia has secured a contract to build a 130MW photovoltaic (PV) farm near the Tunisian city of Gafsa and to operate it jointly with state power utility Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et du Gaz (STEG) for 30 years, according to a statement on May 8. 

Voltalia said it will start the construction works of the plant in 2025 and start operations in 2026. The French firm will be responsible for designing, constructing, and commissioning the solar park and will operate and maintain it throughout its lifespan. 

The plant will cover the power needs of nearly 700,000 inhabitants, the company said.

“Thanks to attractive climate conditions, supportive governmental policies, and strong support from international financial institutions, Tunisia has a great renewable energy potential in the short and long term,” said Sebastien Clerc, Voltalia’s CEO.

Tunisia is doubling its efforts to invest in solar energy projects. In early May, the Dubai-based AMEA Power announced it started construction works for its $86mn solar plant in the Tunisian city of Keirouan. The facility, which will produce 120MW, is set to start operations in Q4 2025. 

Tunisia’s renewable energy plan targets a significant rise in solar and other renewable energy sources in electricity production. By 2030, the country aims to generate between 30%-35% of electricity from renewables, up from a current level of only 3%. Several large solar parks are under development in the North African country, aiming for completion by 2023 and contributing 500MW of capacity.