Plizio Visual Lab
Nawara Gas Processing Plant
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Nawara Gas Processing Plant in the Tataouine governorate is the largest energy infrastructure project in Tunisian history. It was developed as a joint venture between the state-owned Entreprise Tunisienne d'Activités Pétrolières (ETAP) and the Austrian energy firm OMV. The facility processes natural gas from the Nawara field in the Ghadames Basin and transports it via a 370-kilometer pipeline to the industrial city of Gabès. With a daily capacity of 2.7 million cubic meters, the project provides approximately 20% of the national gas consumption. Its commissioning in 2020 was a turning point for Tunisia's energy security, significantly reducing the country's reliance on energy imports. The total investment for the project exceeded 1.1 billion USD, making it a cornerstone of the national economy. Besides natural gas, the complex produces LPG and condensate for domestic and export markets.
- Location: Tunisia
- Top sights: La Grande Cascade de Chenini · Musée Naturel Du Sud Tunisien · Ras el-Oued
- Nearby: El Hamma (21 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 30 | 27 | 23 | 17 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 13 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 24 | 21 | 23 | 25 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
This gas processing plant is a major infrastructure project designed to process natural gas extracted from the southern desert regions of Tunisia. It plays a central role in the country's energy supply and reducing gas flaring.
Visiting
The plant is a closed industrial complex and not open to visitors, but it can be seen from the surrounding desert roads. Security regulations prohibit entry, but the flare stacks and cooling towers are visible from afar.
Where to view it
The best public viewpoint is the RN3 road that runs near the plant, providing a good view of the main processing units. A slight elevation about two kilometers south of the plant site allows an overview shot of the entire complex.
Local products
The plant does not produce a direct consumer good, but supplies processed natural gas to the national grid and industry. By-products include liquefied petroleum gas (propane/butane) and condensate, which are destined for export.
Active season
Gas processing runs continuously year-round, as extraction from the southern fields is uninterrupted. During the hot summer months, demand for electricity from gas-fired power plants may increase, slightly boosting production.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the city of Tataouine, the gateway to the Sahara, or the striking Ksour mountain villages (e.g., Ksar Ouled Soltane). The Djebel Dahar desert landscapes offer hiking opportunities and prehistoric cave paintings.
Geography
Facts
- The total investment for the Nawara project reached 1.1 billion USD.
- The main gas pipeline spans 370 kilometers from the desert to the coast.
- The plant provides roughly 20% of Tunisia's total natural gas needs.
- Commercial operations officially commenced in March 2020.
- The Nawara field is located within the prolific Ghadames Basin.
- The facility has a maximum daily output of 2.7 million cubic meters.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Nawara Gas Processing Plant (3)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Nawara gas plant?
A modern project for treating natural gas from southern Tunisia for energy supply.
Can one visit the plant?
No, the plant serves industrial purposes and is not open to the public.
How important is Nawara for Tunisia?
It is central to national energy independence and reduces import needs.
Where is the project located?
The project spans through southern Tunisia with processing centers in the desert region.
What makes the region ecologically special?
It is part of vast desert landscapes with fragile ecosystems.
Nawara Gas Processing Plant: where is it located?
Nawara Gas Processing Plant is located in Tunisia.
Nawara Gas Processing Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include La Grande Cascade de Chenini, Musée Naturel Du Sud Tunisien, Ras el-Oued.
Nawara Gas Processing Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Nawara Gas Processing Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Nawara Gas Processing Plant in the Tataouine governorate is the largest energy infrastructure project in Tunisian history.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Tunisia →
Nearby cities
Gabès
The only coastal oasis in the Mediterranean and a major industrial site.
El Hamma
An oasis town in the south famous for its thermal springs.
Kurmuk
Kurmuk is an important settlement in the Sudanese state of Region BN.
Medenine
A city in the southeast, known for its traditional granaries (Ksour).
El Groa
El Groa is a charming coastal village on Djerba island, known for its tranquil atmosphere, picturesque landscapes, and the beautiful Sidi…
Asosa
The capital of the Benishangul-Gumuz region in western Ethiopia, near the Sudanese border.
Houmt Souk
The largest city on the island of Djerba and a colorful tourist center.
History & landmarks
More places
Gabes Cement Plant
A regional manufacturing plant providing essential construction materials for southern development projects.
Port of Gabes
An industrial port primarily dedicated to the transport of chemical products and raw phosphates.
Ghannouch Chemical Complex
A large industrial facility processing raw phosphate into phosphoric acid and various agricultural fertilizers.
Matmata Troglodyte Village
A historic Berber village known for its underground troglodyte dwellings, offering protection from extreme desert climates.
🗺️
Miskar Offshore Gas Field
A major offshore natural gas production facility in the Gulf of Gabes, supplying domestic power plants.
Gabes Oasis
One of the rare coastal oases, offering complex multi-level agricultural use.
Gabes Coast
A coastal section.
Gulf of Gabes
A large, shallow gulf on the Tunisian coast.