Renewable energy investment in Tunisia

A major development of solar energy and other renewable resources is expected in Tunisia for the next few years. Tunisian magazine "Réalités" writes that by 2010 a total of 400, 000 square metres of solar captors are expected to be set up in Tunisia. Several institutions such as the National Agency for the Control of Energies, the Global Environment Facility, the United Nations and the World Bank are backing the project. The program's objective is to facilitate the acquisition by households of solar heaters through a motivating credit financing scheme.

Realites adds that since the 80's Tunisia has followed a strategy geared towards the promotion of renewable energies such as solar energy, wind energy and the increasing use of natural gas in air conditioning. At a time when the spiralling cost of petrol is taking a heavy toll on the world's national economies, the use and promotion of renewable energies is a strategic choice for the country. Various incentives destined to encourage the domestic use of these energies within the country's households have led to the creation of a private sector including both small and average sized enterprises as well as industries grouped under the aegis of the Tunisian Union of industry, commerce and agriculture (UTICA) and the national union chamber for renewable energies.

There are currently 10 private enterprises in charge of the import and manufacturing of parts and about 30 service companies in charge of distribution, maintenance and installation. Many of these enterprises also export Tunisian know-how to over 13 international destinations.