Developing the solar energy market in Tunisia

Tunisia meets around 97 per cent of its electricity needs from gas and oil. In 2015 the state paid energy subsidies of more than 150 billion euros, resulting in a considerable burden on the budget. At the same time, given the steadily falling prices of photovoltaic (PV) systems, there is now an environmentally friendly and economical alternative for generating electricity.

At present, however, despite the excellent geographical conditions, installed photovoltaic capacity stands at just 35 megawatts. More private and public investment is necessary to increase the proportion of photovoltaic systems. This will require a more enabling legal and administrative framework, customer-oriented services provided by the private sector and measures to anchor market growth in disadvantaged regions.