Tunisia plans to raise the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 16% in 2027, compared with 12% expected at the end of 2026. The target appears in the draft economic budget submitted to Parliament and forms part of a broader strategy aiming for 35% renewable electricity in 2030.
The government must simultaneously address rising demand and supply difficulties observed during the summer. The budget document projects national generation of approximately 23,200 GWh in 2027, compared with 22,700 GWh expected in 2026, and anticipates a 4% increase in demand. Expansion of renewable capacity must therefore accompany an overall increase in electricity needs.
Projects of several sizes
Projects under the concession regime include a 198 MW plant at El Khobna in Sidi Bouzid governorate and a 77 MW wind project. At Bazma in Kébili governorate, the program provides for a 300 MW solar facility with batteries. The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy launched a tender for this project in March.
The plan also includes approximately 455 MW of new capacity under the sixth authorization round. In parallel, the self-generation component targets an additional 500 MW, notably through photovoltaic panels on homes and facilities serving consumers connected to medium- and high-voltage networks. Public buildings are also included.
These figures refer to planned projects or ongoing procedures, not necessarily facilities already connected. Moving from announcement to generation will depend on tenders, permit awards, financing, construction and equipment availability. This distinction is essential to assess the gap between the official target and capacity actually supplying the grid.
A supply and grid challenge
Diversifying the mix aims to reduce the weight of natural gas in electricity generation and make better use of the country’s solar and wind resources. New plants can reduce fuel requirements for power generation, but cannot by themselves ensure continuity of service. Their integration requires grid planning, balancing capacity and appropriate management of variable generation.
The Bazma project includes storage, which could shift some solar electricity to periods when photovoltaic generation declines. However, the budget does not specify storage duration or discharge capacity here. These parameters will determine the batteries’ actual contribution to system stability.
From 16% to 35%: the remaining step
A 16% share in 2027 would be an intermediate milestone rather than an endpoint. To reach 35% in 2030, Tunisia will need to accelerate commissioning, maintain investment and coordinate new capacity with the existing grid. Project schedules and electricity purchasing rules will also be decisive in attracting private operators.
The announced trajectory reflects a choice to diversify, but its assessment must rely on measured results: commissioned capacity, electricity actually delivered, system costs and supply reliability. The year 2027 will show whether procedures already initiated translate into a tangible increase in renewable generation as consumption continues to grow.