Tunisia Launches Pilot Study for Floating Solar Plant on Sidi El Barrak Dam

On Thursday in Tunis, the Ministry of Agriculture, Hydraulic Resources, and Fisheries announced a groundbreaking pilot initiative: a floating photovoltaic power plant on the Sidi El Barrak dam in Béja Governorate.

Spearheaded by the TECH-EAU partnership between the ministry, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the Mediterranean Centre for Renewable Energies (MEDREC), the project pursues a dual mission: drastically reducing water evaporation from Tunisia’s dams and upland lakes while generating clean, renewable electricity. By shading the reservoir’s surface, floating solar panels will significantly curb evaporation—a critical priority as the country grapples with intensifying droughts and extreme heatwaves.

A Strategic Pilot Before Nationwide Expansion

Commissioned in 2000 along the Ziatine Wadi, Sidi El Barrak ranks among Tunisia’s largest reservoirs and serves as a cornerstone for regional irrigation. This pilot phase will rigorously evaluate the technical, environmental, and economic viability of floating solar technology under local climatic conditions, laying the groundwork for potential deployment across other Tunisian dams.

Unlocking New Opportunities for Tunisia’s Green Tech Sector

This innovative water-energy hybrid model is poised to create a strategic niche for Tunisian renewable energy developers and hydraulic engineering firms. As the government actively seeks technical partners to scale and industrialize the concept, the Sidi El Barrak pilot could serve as a replicable blueprint for sustainable infrastructure nationwide.