TUNISIA ENERGY STUDY : A COOPERATIVE PROGRAM IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY RESOURCES AND TECHNOLOGIES

This project discusses coordination of alternative energy resources and technologies between the U.S. and Tunisia. The willingness of the GOT to act on these issues was evident and was displayed through the assembling of data, and in processed data sets. A coordinated plan for fossil fuels is in place. A financial mechanism which is ideally suited for stimulating alternative energy technology is also in place. In regard to resource mobilization, although ample resources, such as sun and wind exist, knowledge of appropriate technologies is limited. The major weakness in meeting the criteria applied lies in a lack of familiarity with the range of technologies of renewable energy. Training in these technologies through both "hands-on" and some formal presentation is needed. Recommendations for this plan include the following: (1) a program of in-country training, education by experience in alternative energy; (2) collaboration by the U.S. and Tunisia"s Ministry of Agriculture in the design of a project to use alternative energy technologies in rural energy settings; (3) provision of a short-term U.S. specialist in central solar electricity generation; (4) assistance by A.I.D. to the Ministry of Energy in designing a study on alternative uses of organic material; and (5) organization of a technical trade or sales seminar on alternative energy technologies. A list of participants in this study as well as an 11- item bibliography in French and English which covers the period 1977-78 are appended.