The revision of the authorization regime has sparked, in less than a year, strong enthusiasm among Tunisian investors for renewable energy projects, according to Ali Kanzari, president of the National Photovoltaic Chamber, in a statement to TAP news agency.
Approximately 750 MW approved
According to him, the fifth and sixth rounds of evaluating requests for photovoltaic electricity production under the authorization regime led to the approval of projects for nearly 500 investors, for a total capacity of around 750 megawatts.
Ali Kanzari believes that the authorization regime has succeeded in attracting private investors. However, implementing the projects still faces several hurdles, notably grid connection and administrative procedures, as well as a lack of more reliable data on energy efficiency.
Obstacles still present
Among the main challenges of the energy transition, he cites speeding up large projects and better coordination of grid connection, in terms of timelines, costs and capacity. He also mentions simplifying procedures and access to financing and fiscal incentives.
He also recalled the strains experienced by the electrical system, particularly during the summer of 2026, marked by a rise in demand and an energy deficit. According to him, this situation confirms the need to accelerate the development of renewable production capacity.
Proposals from the profession
- a full exemption from customs duties and VAT on photovoltaic panels, inverters and batteries ;
- the acceleration of digitizing administrative procedures and authorizations ;
- a reform of self-production for medium-voltage subscribers, with the removal of the 30% cap and a revision of the electricity purchase tariff to 80 millimes instead of 200 millimes per kWh, according to his remarks ;
- a national program named “Energy Citizenship”, aimed at equipping free of charge one million low-income families with photovoltaic systems over five years, for an installed capacity expected at around 600 MW.
A dedicated trade show starting Thursday
This statement comes on the eve of the fourth edition of the International Energy Transition Trade Show, which opens on Thursday with more than 60 companies and 10 startups, as well as companies from Italy, Germany and Libya.
The program includes six conferences dedicated to investment, financing, energy efficiency, storage and hydrogen, as well as B2B meetings between official delegations, experts and sector players.
