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As stated by the EIB, the project consists of the construction and operation of two solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and their associated transmission infrastructure in Tunisia, with power purchase agreements awarded through government tenders.
The Gafsa PV plant, located in the Gafsa governorate, has a capacity of approximately 120 MWp (100 MWac) and includes an overhead transmission line of around 12 km at 150 kV.
The Khobna PV plant, located in the Sidi Bouzid governorate, has a capacity of approximately 237 MWp (198 MWac) and includes an overhead transmission line of around 45 km at 225 kV.
The aim is to support both EU and national targets for renewable energy generation. It contributes to EIB's objectives in the areas of renewable energy, climate action (mitigation) and environmental sustainability (pollution prevention and control). It also plays a key role in helping Tunisia achieve its goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in electricity generation to 35% by 2030.
As stated by the EIB, while the project does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under national legislation, the promoter has determined that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is needed for each of the two PV plants, with each ESIA covering the respective plant and its associated interconnection infrastructure. The standard social due diligence regarding the risk of forced labour in the PV module supply chain will also need to be carried out.
The draft ESIA reports indicate limited air emissions, minimal wastewater generation and minor use of hazardous materials. Environmental management plans will include dust control measures and waste management procedures. None of the project components (PV plants and transmission lines) are located within environmentally protected areas.
The Khobna PV plant is located approximately 5.5 km south-west of the Sebkhet Noual site (Ramsar/IBA/KBA). In this area, the southern section of the transmission line will follow an existing line and pass at around 1 km from Sebkhet Noual. While the existing line crosses Bouhedma National Park (Important Bird Area / Key Biodiversity Area), located approximately 18 km north of the PV plant, the northern section of the Khobna transmission line will diverge and run along, but outside, the park's buffer zone. The draft ESIA report indicates that the project is not expected to have a significant impact on the conservation objectives of these sites.
The closest protected area to the Gafsa PV plant and its transmission line is Chott Elguetar, a Ramsar site located approximately 12 km east of the project. The draft ESIA report indicates that this protected area will not be impacted, either directly or indirectly, by the project.
As stated by Bloomberg, Qair International develops and provides renewable energy solutions. The Company offers wind, solar, hydroelectric power, green hydrogen, and energy storage systems, as well as energy management services such as power purchase agreements. Qair International serves clients worldwide.
| Private Actor 1 | Private Actor 1 Role | Private Actor 1 Sector | Relation | Private Actor 2 | Private Actor 2 Role | Private Actor 2 Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | Qair International SAS | Client | Energy |
No project contacts provided at the time of disclosure.
ACCESS TO INFORMATION
You can submit an information request for project information at: https://www.eib.org/en/infocentre/registers/request-form/request-form-default.htm
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