Abstract
In Tunisia, the rural people have the smallest amounts of energy available. Their energy is used mainly for basic needs, and it often comes from noncommercial fuels, especially wood.
Therefore, the rural areas are facing severe and interrelated problems of energy and environment. The environmental impacts of intensified production processes aggravate the degradation of ecologic systems.
The analysis of the energy situation in rural areas of Tunisia has shown that a growing energy consumption can be expected over the entire spectrum of economic and social activities.
To cope with this crisis, technologies for energy requirements should not only meet energy needs; they must also be geared to particular economic, social and environmental conditions.
Technically efficient, decentralized systems for the utilization of new and renewable energy can help in this by meeting the demand for higher quality energy.
This article attempts to propose precepts upon which a strategy can be formulated for a rational use of renewable energy in the rural areas.
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