Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy Grants 187 Licenses to SMEs for Solar Power Production
The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has awarded 187 licences to small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) for electricity generation from solar energy, as part of the fifth phase of the tender concerning photovoltaic projects under the licensing regime.
Speaking at a national renewable‑energy congress organized by the Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia (CONECT), Industry Minister Fatma Thabet said the figure reflects “the dynamism of the Tunisian private sector” and its confidence in the national direction on energy transition.
According to the minister, these projects fit into a strategy aimed at strengthening the country’s energy sovereignty and security through an expanded partnership with both national and international actors.
The minister affirmed that her department will support the 187 beneficiaries and continue dialogue to remove administrative and technical obstacles, with the goal of launching the projects “as soon as possible.”
She also recalled the incentives provided for in the Finance Law, notably a public support of 3 % intended to boost the attractiveness of investments in the sector.
“Currently, renewable energies account for more than 11 % of national electricity production,” she noted, reiterating the target of reaching 35 % by 2030.
On the industry side, Sadok Besbes, president of the professional renewable‑energy grouping within CONECT, emphasized that the licensing regime enables Tunisian SMEs to contribute to national electricity generation while developing expertise that can be exported to neighboring countries.
“The 35 % goal could be surpassed and reach 50 % by 2030,” he added.
