In December 2025, the Dig-e-Farm project team reconvened in Tunisia to take the next major steps toward implementing the project’s pilot plant. Building on intensive work throughout the year, the partners had refined the technical configurations of the pilot system and used this visit to assess feasibility on site, while also clarifying the legal and practical framework for implementation.
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework Through Dialogue
A key item on the agenda was a meeting with the German Chamber of Commerce in Tunis, which proved to be a valuable entry point for high-level discussions. Through its strong network, the Chamber facilitated the participation of the Tunisian National Agency for Energy Management (ANME). This exchange marked an important milestone for the project, providing the Dig-e-Farm team with much clearer insights into the regulatory environment surrounding Agri-PV in Tunisia.
Agri-PV remains a relatively new concept in the country. The pilot plant developed within Dig-e-Farm will be only the second Agri-PV installation in Tunisia, alongside the first system currently under construction by ANME. Against this backdrop, both ANME and the German Chamber of Commerce expressed strong interest in and support for the project. Detailed discussions focused on approval procedures, certification requirements, and legal processes—crucial steps toward successful implementation.
Local Partnerships and Capacity Development
During the visit, the Dig-e-Farm team also met with several Tunisian companies capable of constructing and installing the pilot plant. After careful consideration, the decision was made to collaborate with a local company, aligning closely with national guidelines and contributing directly to local capacity development. By involving Tunisian partners in the implementation process, the project actively supports knowledge transfer and ensures that technical expertise remains within the country beyond the project’s duration.
On-Site Progress at the Future Pilot Plant
The visit concluded with a return to the farm that will host the pilot plant, allowing the team to review the site conditions in detail and align technical planning with on-the-ground realities. This step reinforced the project’s practical orientation and confirmed the suitability of the selected location.
With strengthened partnerships, clarified regulatory pathways, and concrete progress toward implementation, the December 2025 visit marked a decisive step forward for Dig-e-Farm on its path toward sustainable, digitally supported Agri-PV solutions in Tunisia. Beyond technical and regulatory progress, the trip significantly strengthened networks, fostered local capacity development, and highlighted the value of close collaboration, making it a key milestone for the project’s long-term impact and success.
