Major investments in solar power could be coming to Tunisia after the local government granted building licenses to multiple international solar companies.
The North African country awarded more than $386 million worth of licenses to solar firms from France, Norway, and Japan. The projects will be the first of their kind in Tunisia, according to a report from Reuters.
It's unclear how quickly these new solar farms and power plants will be built, but they have the potential for a total capacity of 1,700 megawatts.
Tunisia is making these moves to reduce its heavy reliance on natural gas power and hopefully save $200 million each year. It also aims to generate 35% of the country's electricity from renewable energy by 2030.
The geography and conditions of Tunisia give it great potential for harnessing solar and wind energy, according to the Global Forum on Sustainable Energy.
"Up to 2000, Tunisia was mostly self-sufficient when it came to energy. It was only after the fossil reserves of fossil fuels started to run dry that the country had to up its import," the GFSE said.
Stay hydrated and refreshed this holiday season — without any sugar or harmful additives Nuun’s zero-sugar hydration tablets are a perfect, guilt-free way to enhance your water throughout the day. You’ll get five essential electrolytes for everyday hydration — with zero grams of sugar. Plus, Nuun tablets are certified vegan and gluten-free, and they’re the perfect size to keep in your car, purse, or anywhere you'll want a healthy, restorative drink. Learn more → |
"The amounts and the money spent on imports have been rising, posing a significant motivating factor in Tunisia's path of regaining energy independence," the GFSE added.
It's encouraging to see governments begin to prioritize efficient, alternative energy sources in new laws and policies. Investments in environmentally friendly infrastructure benefit both the climate and people by reducing energy costs and decreasing pollution.
Programs in Africa use solar power to aid rural communities with unstable power supplies. Startups are helping tackle Africa's energy crisis by supplying clean energy solutions such as solar-powered water pumps, sustainable cooking products, and residential solar systems.
In Kenya, public transportation is undergoing an overhaul with the introduction of new electric buses to appeal to more riders. The country also plans to reduce its overall emissions by 32% by 2030.
There's a reason dermatologists personally use this daily moisturizing sunscreen more than any other brand Dermatologists see and understand skin at a much deeper level than the rest of us, and they know that the perfect SPF both protects and corrects your skin. That's why they trust, recommend, and personally use EltaMD more than any other brand. EltaMD's clinically tested formulas are designed with dermatologists to meet the needs of any skin type or condition. They're also designed for consistent daily wear to build long-term resilience with a moisturizing, lightweight, non-comedogenic texture — plus hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Learn more → |
|
Which of these factors would be your main motivation for installing solar panels? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Energy independence ⚡ 
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
