Renewable energy in Tunisia: why the sector is attracting more investment in 2026

Tunisia's energy transition is entering a new phase: the shift from strategic objectives to the delivery of large-scale projects. In 2026, Tunisia is accelerating the development of solar photovoltaic energy, preparing new wind projects and gradually developing electricity storage infrastructure. For Tunisian and foreign investors, this development opens significant opportunities in power generation, energy infrastructure, industrial self-generation, storage, equipment and related services. But investing in renewable energy in Tunisia is not just about financing a solar plant. It also requires mastering the regulatory framework, authorisations, land, grid connection, electricity sale contracts, concession mechanisms, project financing and long-term legal risks. In 2026, these issues are becoming particularly important as several hundred megawatts of new projects are being prepared. 1. Why is renewable energy becoming a strategic sector in Tunisia? Tunisia faces a major energy security challenge. The country's energy deficit exceeded 11 billion dinars in 2025, according to figures cited in national discussions on the energy transition. In this context, the development of renewable energy is both an environmental policy and a strategy to reduce energy dependence. The national objective is to significantly increase the contribution of renewable energy to the energy system. The Tunisian Solar Plan notably targets a 30% share of renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030, while more recent sector orientations point to even more ambitious targets in the medium term. For investors, this means one essential thing: the Tunisian renewable energy market is set to experience several years of development. 2. 2026 marks an acceleration of solar projects 2026 is a particularly important year for the sector. The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has launched a sixth round of calls for photovoltaic projects under the authorisation regime, for a total capacity of up to 200 MW. The projects are intended to generate electricity from solar photovoltaic energy, with the electricity sold to the Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG). The framework relies notably on: - Decree No. 2016-1123 of 24 August 2016; - the rules applicable to the authorisation regime; - the purchase tariffs set in October 2024; - the standard contract for the sale of electricity produced from renewable energy sources. Investors therefore now have a more structured legal framework to develop certain photovoltaic projects. 3. A market that now goes beyond small installations One of the most important developments concerns the size of projects. Tunisia is no longer limited to individual photovoltaic installations or small industrial projects. The national programme now includes plants of several tens or even several hundreds of megawatts. In 2026, a particularly significant tender concerns a 300 MW photovoltaic plant at Bazma, in the governorate of Kébili, including a battery storage system of 150 MW / 540 MWh. This project illustrates an important trend: investment in renewables is gradually becoming investment in a complete energy infrastructure. Generation alone is no longer enough. Storage, grid connection, management of intermittency and grid stability are also becoming essential components of the project. 4. Electricity storage opens up a new market The integration of a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) in the Bazma project is an important signal for investors. Storage can make it possible to: - absorb part of the solar output; - shift the delivery of electricity; - contribute to grid stability; - improve the integration of renewable energy; - support the growth of installed solar capacity. For investors, this potentially opens a new segment: generation + storage + electrical infrastructure. The Kébili project is in this respect a particularly interesting example of the model towards which the market may evolve. 5. Tunisia already has several large-capacity projects The projects currently being developed give a measure of the scale of the sector's transformation. The energy balance published by the ministry at the beginning of 2026 reported in particular several significant photovoltaic projects. Among them: - Kairouan: 100 MW, commissioned in December 2025; - Sidi Bouzid: 50 MW, commissioned in January 2026; - Tozeur: 50 MW, entered into service in the first quarter of 2026; - several 100 MW projects are planned in the governorates of Gafsa, Sidi Bouzid and Gabès; - a 198 MW project at El Khobna, in the governorate of Sidi Bouzid, has also been awarded. This multiplication of projects is gradually creating a genuine investment ecosystem. 6. Five new projects represent nearly 600 MW In April 2026, five photovoltaic plant projects submitted under concession agreements alone represented nearly 600 MW. These projects notably concern: - El Khobna; - Mezzouna; - El Ksar; - Segdoud; - Menzel Habib. They form part of the national strategy to accelerate renewable electricity generation. According to the authorities, these projects should also help reduce electricity production costs and allow a significant increase in the share of renewables in the Tunisian electricity mix. 7. The Tunisian legal framework allows several generation regimes For an investor, one of the first questions is to determine under which legal regime the project should be developed. Tunisian Law No. 2015-12 of 11 May 2015 on electricity generation from renewable energy sources is one of the fundamental texts of the sector. It provides for several mechanisms enabling the private sector to take part in the development of renewable energy. Three main regimes must be distinguished: The concession regime It concerns projects exceeding certain capacity thresholds. The ministry notably indicates the following thresholds: - more than 10 MW for solar; - more than 30 MW for wind; - more than 15 MW for biomass; - more than 5 MW for other renewable energy sources. The authorisation regime It concerns projects that do not exceed these thresholds. Self-generation It allows certain consumers to produce their own renewable electricity under the applicable framework. For an investor, the choice of regime is therefore a fundamental legal question from the project development stage. 8. The authorisation regime offers opportunities for private investors The sixth round launched in 2026 illustrates the potential of the authorisation regime. The ministry has set a total capacity of 200 MW for this procedure and provides for applications to be examined according in particular to the filing date and the capacity available on the grid at the level of the lines and substations concerned. This last point is essential. A project may be technically attractive and financially viable, but encounter difficulties if the available connection capacity is insufficient. Grid connection must therefore be studied before finalising the financial structuring of the project. 9. Land is one of the main legal issues Large renewable energy projects require substantial areas of land. This raises several questions: - ownership of the land; - legal status of the land; - designated use of the land; - right of use; - easements; - access; - connection; - duration of occupation; - legal certainty of title; - compatibility with administrative authorisations. Land difficulties have moreover been publicly identified as one of the obstacles that may slow down certain photovoltaic projects. For an investor, prior land due diligence may therefore be as important as technical due diligence. 10. Grid connection is becoming a strategic issue The rapid development of solar also requires strengthening electrical infrastructure. STEG provides specific procedures for preliminary connection studies for private renewable electricity generation installations subject to the authorisation regime. For the sixth round in 2026, STEG notably specified the deadlines applicable to requests for preliminary studies and publishes a map showing the hosting capacity of HV/MV source substations. For investors, connection must therefore be treated as a central component of project development. An energy project is not simply land + solar panels. It is: land + authorisations + connection + financing + contracts + operation + legal certainty. 11. Power purchase agreements are at the heart of financing For projects intended to sell their output to STEG, the electricity sale contract is one of the project's main documents. The sixth round in 2026 refers notably to the standard contract approved by the order of 9 October 2024 and to the applicable purchase tariffs. For investors and lenders, the analysis should cover in particular: - duration of the contract; - purchase price; - payment terms; - obligations of the producer; - obligations of the buyer; - guarantees; - events of default; - force majeure; - termination; - compensation; - change in law; - dispute resolution. In a project financed by debt or by investment funds, the bankability of the purchase agreement is a decisive element. 12. International financing strengthens the sector's attractiveness The development of renewables in Tunisia is also attracting international financial institutions. The World Bank has notably approved a USD 430 million programme to support the transformation of Tunisia's energy sector, including in particular accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, improving the reliability of electricity and strengthening sector governance. International financing data also show investments in several Tunisian solar projects. The World Bank/IFC notably reports investments in: - Kairouan Solar Plant; - Scatec Tozeur PV; - Scatec Sidi Bouzid/Mezzouna PV; - Sidi Bouzid 2 Power. This strengthens the sector's credibility with international investors. 13. Why are foreign investors interested in Tunisia? Several factors make the Tunisian market attractive. 1. Strong solar potential Tunisia enjoys a level of sunshine that is particularly favourable to photovoltaic. 2. A significant energy need The energy deficit creates structural demand for new generation capacity. 3. A clearly identified public strategy The authorities have set renewable energy development targets and are gradually launching calls for projects. 4. Large-scale projects Projects of 100 MW, 200 MW, 300 MW and more make institutional investment conceivable. 5. Growing interest from international financiers The participation of international banks and institutions is gradually reducing the pioneering nature of the market. 14. Opportunities are not limited to solar plants The renewable energy ecosystem offers much broader opportunities. Investors may notably look at: - photovoltaic plants; - wind energy; - industrial self-generation; - battery storage; - charging infrastructure; - electrical equipment; - manufacturing and assembly; - maintenance; - engineering; - technical services; - energy management; - energy efficiency; - grid digitalisation; - storage solutions; - project financing. This diversification is important for investors who wish to enter the Tunisian market without necessarily developing a power plant themselves. 15. Self-generation may interest large industrial companies Industrial companies that consume large amounts of electricity may also find interest in self-generation projects. The ministry recognises self-generation as one of the regimes through which the private sector can take part in the development of renewable energy. For an industrial company, a photovoltaic project may notably be studied from the angle of: - reducing energy costs; - securing supply; - reducing exposure to price fluctuations; - improving environmental performance; - ESG strategy; - export competitiveness. Feasibility must nevertheless be studied in light of the applicable technical, contractual and regulatory rules. 16. Investors must anticipate authorisations An energy project generally involves several levels of authorisation and validation. Depending on the nature of the project, it may be necessary to analyse: - applicable legal regime; - authorisation or concession; - land; - technical studies; - connection; - environment; - construction; - operation; - purchase contracts; - electricity regulation; - taxation; - foreign exchange regulation; - financing. The classic mistake is to deal with these subjects one after the other. For large projects, they must on the contrary be analysed in parallel from the development stage. 17. The legal risks of a renewable energy project Investors must notably identify the following risks: Land risk The land may present difficulties of ownership, use or legal security. Regulatory risk A change in regulation may affect the economics of the project. Connection risk The available grid capacity may limit or delay the project. Contractual risk Purchase and construction contracts must properly protect the interests of the developer and the financiers. Construction risk Delays and cost overruns may affect the financial model. Financing risk The project must generate sufficiently predictable revenues to satisfy lenders' requirements. Currency risk Projects financed or equipped in foreign currency may be exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. Termination risk The consequences of early termination must be provided for contractually. 18. Why legal due diligence is essential Before investing in an energy project, legal due diligence should notably examine: Land - title deed; - real rights; - easements; - leases; - mortgages; - disputes. The project - authorisations; - concessions; - permits; - studies; - regulatory compliance. Contracts - EPC; - O&M; - PPA; - connection; - insurance; - suppliers. The project company - shareholding; - governance; - financing; - guarantees; - commitments. The regulatory framework - applicable regime; - licences; - obligations of the investor; - obligations of the administration; - dispute resolution mechanisms. For institutional investors, this analysis can directly influence the investment decision. 19. The financing model becomes decisive Renewable energy projects generally require significant capital investment. They may be financed by: - equity; - bank debt; - institutional financing; - infrastructure funds; - strategic investors; - blended finance; - guarantees; - international climate finance mechanisms. The legal structure must therefore be designed in line with the financial model. A project company may for example be created in order to separate: the energy asset / the contracts / the debt / the investors / the operational risks. This structuring is particularly important for large projects. 20. Contracts must be designed to be "bankable" A project may be technically excellent but difficult to finance if its contracts are not sufficiently secured. Financiers will notably examine: - stability of revenues; - duration of contracts; - guarantees; - payment mechanisms; - termination; - force majeure; - change of control; - change in law; - insurance; - liability; - arbitration; - governing law. This is why legal advice must be involved before financial close, and not only at the time of signing. 21. A particularly interesting sector for European investors The development of Tunisian renewables may also form part of a broader strategy of cooperation with Europe. Tunisia's geographical proximity to Europe, its industrial integration with the European market and the growing interest in decarbonising supply chains create opportunities for: - European developers; - equipment manufacturers; - infrastructure funds; - energy companies; - industrial groups; - engineering firms; - institutional investors. For these players, Tunisia can become not only an energy market, but also a regional industrial and energy platform. 22. 2026: a pivotal year for investors The announcements and projects launched in 2026 clearly show that the market is entering a more concrete phase. Between: - the sixth round of photovoltaic projects; - concession projects of several hundred megawatts; - the 300 MW Bazma project with storage; - new capacity already commissioned; - international financing; the sector now offers a much more tangible investment pipeline. For investors, the question is therefore no longer just: "Will Tunisia develop renewable energy?" The question becomes: "How do you structure an investment in this market legally and financially?" 23. The main opportunities for investors in 2026 - Solar photovoltaic: very strong opportunity; - Large plants: very strong opportunity; - BESS storage: emerging and strategic opportunity; - Industrial self-generation: strong opportunity; - Wind: significant potential; - Electrical infrastructure: strong opportunity; - Equipment and components: strong opportunity; - Maintenance / O&M: growing opportunity; - Energy efficiency: strong opportunity; - Project financing: growing opportunity; - Specialised legal and technical services: growing opportunity. 24. What should an investor do before launching a project? An effective strategy should start with a pre-due diligence. Step 1 — Identify the legal regime Concession? Authorisation? Self-generation? Step 2 — Secure the land Verify ownership and rights of use. Step 3 — Check the connection Analyse grid capacity and technical conditions. Step 4 — Structure the project company Determine the shareholding, governance and financing. Step 5 — Secure the contracts PPA, EPC, O&M, connection, financing and insurance. Step 6 — Check the authorisations Identify all the authorisations required before closing. Step 7 — Carry out the due diligence Identify legal, regulatory, land and contractual risks. Step 8 — Prepare the financing Build a structure that is robust enough for lenders and investors. 25. ANILF: legal advice for energy and infrastructure projects in Tunisia The development of renewable energy creates complex transactions combining business law, energy law, infrastructure law, financing, contracts and foreign investment. ANILF assists companies, investors and international operators in securing their projects in Tunisia from a legal standpoint. Our work may notably cover: - legal structuring of energy projects; - foreign investment; - incorporation of project companies; - legal due diligence; - land analysis; - commercial contracts; - construction contracts; - operation and maintenance contracts; - power purchase agreements; - concessions and authorisations; - public-private partnerships; - project financing; - governance; - contractual negotiation; - management of regulatory risks; - arbitration and dispute resolution. Are you considering an energy project in Tunisia? Before acquiring land, setting up a project company or signing an investment agreement, legal security must begin at the development stage. ANILF can assist Tunisian and international investors in the legal analysis and structuring of their projects. Conclusion 2026 could be a pivotal year for renewable energy in Tunisia. The launch of new calls for projects, the development of large-capacity plants, the emergence of projects integrating storage and the growing participation of international financial institutions show that the market is entering a more structured phase of development. For investors, the opportunities are numerous: solar, wind, self-generation, storage, electrical infrastructure, equipment, services and financing. But the success of a project does not depend solely on its technical profitability. Securing the land, authorisations, connection, contracts, financing and the project company is just as decisive. In this context, energy law becomes a genuine tool for securing the investment. For developers, infrastructure funds, industrial companies and foreign investors wishing to enter the Tunisian market, upstream legal preparation can make the difference between a project that is merely promising and one that is truly financeable and executable.