Norway's Scatec Builds $95M Solar Plant in Tunisia

Tunisia is about to get a major solar power boost that could transform how the country generates electricity.

Norwegian renewable energy company Scatec has secured a 25-year agreement to build and operate a 120-megawatt solar plant in Tataouine, a city in southern Tunisia. The $95 million project represents a significant step forward in Tunisia's ambitious plan to generate more than a third of its power from renewable sources by 2031.

The solar facility will be one of the largest renewable energy investments in Tunisia in recent years. Scatec will handle about 80% of the construction work and manage the plant once it starts producing electricity, creating both immediate construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities for local workers.

Tunisia currently imports electricity from neighboring Algeria and Libya, making the country vulnerable to supply disruptions and price fluctuations. This new solar plant will help reduce that dependence while providing stable, locally generated power to communities across the region.

The project comes as Tunisia invests heavily in its energy future. The country's electricity ministry allocated $2.2 billion for power sector development in 2025, with renewable energy as the centerpiece of that strategy.

The Ripple Effect

Tunisia's renewable energy push extends far beyond this single solar plant. The country plans to generate nearly 4,850 megawatts of green electricity by 2030, enough to power millions of homes without burning fossil fuels or relying on imports.

The shift to solar and wind power will reduce carbon emissions while keeping electricity costs more predictable for Tunisian families and businesses. As energy security improves, the country becomes more attractive for international investment and economic growth.

Tunisia is even planning its first hydrogen production projects by 2030, positioning itself as a potential clean energy exporter in the Mediterranean region. The southern Gabès region could become a hub for green hydrogen production, creating an entirely new industry for the country.

The Tataouine solar plant also demonstrates how international partnerships can accelerate climate progress. Norwegian expertise and financing combined with Tunisian ambition shows what's possible when countries work together on shared challenges.

Construction financing will be finalized in early 2027, with Scatec inviting additional equity partners to join the project. Multiple financial institutions have already expressed interest in funding this transition to cleaner energy.

Tunisia's renewable energy transformation proves that developing nations can leapfrog outdated energy infrastructure and build modern, sustainable power systems from the ground up.