What is the Tunisian Solar Plan?

The Tunisian Solar Plan contains 40 projects aimed at promoting solar thermal and photovoltaic energies, wind energy, as well as energy efficiency measures. The plan also incorporates the ELMED project; a 400KV submarine cable interconnecting Tunisia and Italy.

Where is the first large scale solar power plant in Tunisia?

The first large scale solar power plant of a 10MW capacity, co-financed by KfW and NIF (Neighbourhood Investment Facility) and implemented by STEG, is in Tozeur. TuNur CSP project is Tunisia’s most ambitious renewable energy project yet.

Does Tunisia have solar power?

Tunisia has significant solar potential given the country's high irradiance, ranging from 1800 kWh/m2 per year in the North to 2600 kWh/m2 per year in the South. This equals approximately 1,980 sunshine hours per year.

Why should you invest in solar power in Tunisia?

Nur Energie has built and maintained a solar weather station for 3 years on the TuNur site to receive real time solar data on the ground. Tunisia has up to 20% better radiation than some of the best sites in Europe, and the Sahara desert provides significant land to develop large scale solar power projects.

How many kV power lines are there in Tunisia?

The project will consist of 660 km of 525-kV ACDC overhead lines in Tunisia, 661 km of 525-kV DC submarine cables, and 7 km of 525-kV DC and 400-kV underground cables, terminating at an existing high-voltage substation. Tunisia's power sector is well-developed, with 99.8% of its population having access to the national electric grid.

How much money is needed to implement the Tunisian Solar Program?

The total investment required to implement the Tunisian Solar Program plan have been estimated at $2.5 billion, including $175 million from the National Fund, $530 million from the public sector, $1,660 million from private sector funds, and $24 million from international cooperation.