A major policy push to expand renewable energy in Tunisia has ignited political and public controversy, with critics raising concerns over sovereignty, transparency, and the long-term cost of granting concessions to foreign companies.
The debate intensified after Tunisia’s parliament approved several concession agreements for the development of large-scale solar photovoltaic plants, part of a broader strategy to reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imported natural gas. Tunisia currently faces a significant energy deficit, covering around 65 percent of its needs through imports, a vulnerability authorities are now attempting to address through renewable energy expansion.
However, the method chosen to attract investment has become the focal point of criticism. Lawmakers, civil society groups, and energy sector stakeholders have questioned the decision to grant long-term concessions, reportedly ranging between 20 and 30 years, to foreign firms to develop and operate these solar projects.
Some critics argue that the move risks undermining national control over strategic resources. During parliamentary debates, concerns were raised that foreign companies could benefit disproportionately from Tunisia’s solar potential, exporting energy or generating revenue under terms perceived as less favourable to the state.
The controversy also centres on the role of the Société tunisienne de l’électricité et du gaz (STEG), the country’s public electricity and gas utility. Opponents fear that the concessions could weaken the position of the state-owned company, particularly if it is unable to compete with private operators benefiting from preferential terms.
Government officials have defended the policy, arguing that Tunisia lacks the financial and technical capacity to independently deliver the scale of renewable energy infrastructure required to meet its targets. Authorities have set an ambitious goal of generating 35 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, a target that would require substantial investment and rapid project deployment.
Officials maintain that concessions are a standard mechanism used globally to attract foreign investment into capital-intensive sectors such as energy. They also argue that the agreements do not violate national sovereignty and could, in fact, create opportunities for local participation through partnerships with international investors.
Despite these assurances, transparency has emerged as a key issue. Civil society organisations and energy experts say there has been limited public access to details of the agreements, raising questions about the financial terms, long-term implications, and potential impact on electricity tariffs.
Analysts warn that without clear communication and stakeholder engagement, the policy risks losing public trust, even if the projects ultimately deliver economic and environmental benefits. Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on consumer electricity costs, particularly if concession agreements include pricing structures that shift financial burdens onto households.
The controversy reflects a broader dilemma faced by many African countries: balancing the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources with the realities of limited domestic financing and technical capacity. Foreign investment is often necessary to accelerate development, but it also introduces complex questions about control, equity, and long-term national interest.
For Tunisia, the stakes are particularly high. Reducing dependence on imported energy is not only an economic priority but also a strategic one, especially in a volatile global energy market. Renewable energy offers a pathway to greater self-sufficiency, but the governance of that transition will determine how benefits are distributed.
The approved projects are not yet final. They must still pass through Tunisia’s second legislative chamber, the council of districts and regions, before being formally enacted into law. This provides a window for further scrutiny and potential adjustments.
As the country moves forward, the debate is likely to shape not just the future of Tunisia’s energy sector, but also broader conversations about economic sovereignty, investment policy, and public accountability.
