Scatec Solar Bags 360 MW In Tunisian PV Tender

• Norway's Scatec Solar says it has secured rights to build three solar power projects with 360 MW capacity in Tunisian auction
• These projects will be set up as 240 MW in Tataouine, and two projects of around 60 MW each in Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid
• STEG will purchase approximately 830 GWh of power produced from these projects under 20-year PPAs

The Tunisian Ministry of Industry and SMEs has selected Scatec Solar of Norway to award the bulk of its  500 MW PV tender launched in May 2018. The Norwegian solar company won close to 360 MW of the total.

In July 2019, an advisor at the Tunisian ministry Mehdi Majoul published a LinkedIn post announcing Scatec Solar to have offered the lowest bid of $0.0244 per kWh to build 200 MW capacity in Tataouine, out of eight bids received (see $0.0244/kWh Lowest Bid For Tunisia's 500 MW Tender). 

Now, Scatec Solar says it will develop this capacity in the form of three projects of 240 MW, 60 MW and 60 MW in Tataouine, Tozeur and Sidi Bouzid, respectively and sell around 830 GWh power produced annually to the Société Tunisienne de l'Electricité et du Gaz (STEG) under 20-year power purchase agreements (PPA). 

The Norwegian solar developer will be the lead equity investor in these projects; it will also be responsible for EPC, O&M and asset management. It did not specify the expected completion timeline.   

Scatec Solar CEO Raymond Carlsen said, "We are excited to secure our first projects in Tunisia, supporting the Government's target to reach 30% electricity production from renewables by 2030. We have solid experience from successful development, execution and operation of projects in Africa and the Middle East over the last years that we bring with us as we enter this new market."