| Abstract |
The use of geothermal energy in Tunisia is limited to direct application because of the low enthalpy resources ranging from 30 to 80°C, which are localized mainly in the southern part of the country. For thousands of years, geothermal water has been used in bathing, and many of the geothermal manifestations in the country have the name of Hammam or bath, which reflects the main use of geothermal water over the centuries. Now, most of the resources are utilized for irrigation of oases and heating greenhouses. Because of the water scarcity in the southern part of the country, the geothermal water is used to complete the irrigation of 25,000 ha of oasis after cooling the water in atmospheric cooling towers. Since 1986, the government started using geothermal energy for greenhouse farming, which is considered a promising and economically feasible application, by planting one ha in the southern part of the country. The results of this experiment were encouraging, and thus the cultivated areas have today increased to 237 ha exploited by 473 farmers. The utilization of geothermal resources in southern parts of Tunisia is considered as the only experience in the world in terms of development in this field in the difficult desert conditions. The prospective study for the year 2030, started at the end of 2017 will certainly give a clear outlook of the greenhouse sector. |