On March 6, 2026, the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy of Tunisia announced a major renewable energy tender under the national energy transition program.
The call for tenders Appel d’Offres N°01-2026 concerns the development of a 300 MW photovoltaic power plant integrated with a large battery energy storage system (BESS) located in Bazma, Kébili.
This project represents one of the most ambitious solar initiatives in Tunisia to date and highlights the country’s growing commitment to large-scale renewable energy and grid stability solutions.
Project Overview
The tender invites qualified developers to submit proposals for the design, financing, construction, and operation of a solar photovoltaic plant combined with battery storage under a concession regime.
Key parameters include:
- PV capacity: 300 MW
- Battery Energy Storage System: 150 MW / 540 MWh
- Project location: Bazma, Kébili
- Land area: approximately 440 hectares
- Development model: Concession
The integration of BESS technology is particularly important, as it enables:
- Improved grid stability
- Peak shaving and load shifting
- Enhanced renewable integration
- Reduced curtailment of solar production
Strategic Importance for Tunisia
The project forms part of Tunisia’s broader strategy to increase renewable energy penetration and reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
Key objectives include:
- Expanding national solar generation capacity
- Supporting grid flexibility through storage
- Accelerating the national energy transition roadmap
With 300 MW of solar capacity and a large-scale battery system, the Bazma project could become one of the largest hybrid solar-storage projects in North Africa.
Participation and Timeline
Interested developers must register to receive the official tender documents.
Important dates:
- Registration deadline: May 8, 2026
- Bid submission deadline: October 14, 2026 at 12:00 (Tunis time)
Proposals must be submitted to:
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy
86 Avenue Mohamed V
1002 Tunis, Tunisia
Questions related to the tender documents can be sent via email to:
ipppv@energiemines.gov.tn
The official announcement is available on the Ministry’s website:
Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy
Implications for the Solar Industry
For EPC contractors, technology providers, and energy developers, this tender signals several important trends in Tunisia’s renewable market:
- Shift toward utility-scale solar projects
- Integration of large battery storage systems
- Growing opportunities for international and local partnerships
Projects combining solar generation with energy storage are expected to play a key role in the future Tunisian electricity system as renewable penetration increases.
Final Thoughts
The Bazma-Kébili solar and BESS project marks a major milestone in Tunisia’s renewable energy program. If successfully implemented, it will significantly strengthen the country’s solar capacity while improving grid reliability through energy storage.
For stakeholders in the photovoltaic sector, this tender represents a strategic opportunity to participate in one of the region’s flagship renewable energy projects.
Source:
Official announcement by the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (Archive.org)
