Renewable energy sources for water desalting in Tunisia

Achievements and potential of coupling between renewable energy sources and brackish or seawater desalting technologies in Tunisia have been investigated. These sources of energy, mainly solar, wind and geothermal, have been identified throughout the country, and their suitability for coupling with different desalting technologies has been investigated. Renewable energies are expected to have a flourishing future and an important role in the domain of brackish and seawater desalination. Of special interest are small desalination plants that can be operated with small quantities of energy. Small-scale, renewable, energydriven desalination plants might be the most economical solution for providing potable water to remote and isolated communities where the electric grid and the proper infrastructure are lacking. By exploiting renewable energies for fresh water production, three main problems can be addressed: fresh water scarcity, fossil energy depletion and environmental degradation due to gas emissions and hydrocarbon pollution.