Scatec has started construction on a 120 MW solar plant in Tunisia’s Sidi Bouzid region after reaching financial close on June 17, 2026, marking a major step forward in the country’s renewable energy expansion.
The Norwegian renewable energy developer secured the funding for the €96 million project in partnership with Aeolus SAS, a subsidiary of the Japanese conglomerate Toyota Tsusho Group. Scatec will own 50% of the project while Aeolus holds the remaining 50%, with Scatec also providing engineering, procurement, construction, and operations services.
The Sidi Bouzid II plant will generate approximately 276 GWh of electricity annually once operational, enough to power thousands of homes while reducing CO2 emissions by nearly 107,000 tonnes each year. The facility is expected to reach commercial operation in the second half of 2027.
Tunisia is heavily dependent on natural gas for electricity generation, with 95% of current production based on imported fuel. The country has set an ambitious target to reach 35% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030, and projects like Sidi Bouzid II are central to achieving that goal. The power purchase agreement was awarded through a government tender in December 2024 designed to support Tunisia’s energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.
The project received senior debt financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional support from EU grant funding and guarantees. According to Scatec CEO Terje Pilskog, the project “demonstrates our ability to scale our business through repeatable tender-based opportunities, backed by a strong partnership with Aeolus.” This is Scatec’s third project starting construction in Tunisia, reinforcing the company’s position in the North African market.
Sources
- Scatec Group — Official press release announcing financial close and construction start on June 17, 2026, including project details, partnership structure, financing, and CEO quote
- PV Tech — Coverage of financial close and project specifications including completion timeline
- Renewable Energy Magazine — Reporting on financial close and annual electricity generation capacity
- Africa Business Communities — Coverage of financial close and annual output figures
