The Ministry of Economy and Planning announced on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the signing of a financing guarantee agreement amounting to 50 million euros, or about 167 million dinars, intended for the construction of a photovoltaic solar power plant equipped with an energy storage system using batteries, in the Beni M’hira region, within the Tataouine Governorate.
The agreement was signed by the Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, and the director of the Tunis office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), George Akhalkatsi, as part of support for renewable energy projects and the strengthening of electricity production capacity from clean sources.
A joint financing package and a grant for technical assistance
Fayçal Trifa, the Chief Executive Officer of the Tunisian Electrical and Gas Company (STEG), signed the financing agreement for the project, whose total amount is 50 million euros.
The financing is split between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which contributes 30 million euros, and the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), which provides 20 million euros.
The project also benefits from an additional grant of 4 million euros, intended to fund technical assistance, according to details from the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
Strengthening electricity production from renewable energy sources
The Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, emphasized the importance of this project for strengthening national capacities to produce electricity from renewable and clean sources, as well as for supporting the energy transition and reducing carbon emissions.
He specified that this initiative aligns with the development directions and national priorities, particularly in terms of promoting renewable energy.
The minister also welcomed the quality of cooperation between Tunisia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
EBRD reaffirms its commitment to projects in Tunisia
For its part, the director of the EBRD office in Tunisia, George Akhalkatsi, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to continuing its support for the country’s economic development, both through financing public projects and by backing the private sector.
He indicated that the bank’s participation in financing the Beni M’hira solar power plant helps to consolidate the partnership between the two parties, especially in the area of energy transition, which is among the priorities of Tunisian development programs.
A first battery-based electricity storage system
In the same context, Fayçal Trifa, the Chief Executive Officer of STEG, stated that this project represents a new step in the implementation of the national energy transition plan.
He explained that its realization will contribute to the establishment of a first battery-based electricity storage system, capable of improving the flexibility and stability of the national electricity grid.
