Sun-soaked North Africa pushes for cheap energy

Renewable push: Floating solar panels in a water reservoir in Le Kram, on the eastern edge of Tunisia’s capital Tunis. Fossil fuel prices have created a powerful incentive for renewable energy investments across the Maghreb region. – AFP

TUNIS: Paul Raymond Solar panels glint in the sun on a Tunisian lagoon, part of a long-delayed drive to harness the North African country’s vast renewable energy potential.

While industry insiders complain of red tape, fossil fuel prices that soared after Russia’s February invasion of Ukraine created a powerful incentive for such investments across the Maghreb region.