Tunisia: Licenses awarded for 120 MW wind projects

The Tunisian government has awarded licenses for four onshore wind projects totaling 120 MW under its renewables sector development scheme.

The plants, which represent a combined investment of $134 million, will be installed in the governorates of Ben Arous and Bizerte.

Local media reported that works on the four selected projects will start between May and November 2020.

Last year, the Tunisian Ministry of Energy, Mines and Renewable Energies launched two tenders, for 500 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants and for 500 MW wind farms.

The wind tender covers three projects — 200 MW at Jbel Abderrahmane in Nabeul Governorate, 100 MW at Jbel Tbaga in the governorate of Kebili, and 200 MW of capacity at sites proposed by the developers

Currently, the country relies almost entirely on fossil fuels to meet its domestic energy needs. Over 94% of installed energy capacity is hydrocarbon-fired. Tunisia imports most of its energy needs, despite being a relatively small natural gas and oil producer.

Tunisia aims to generate 30% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.