ABSTRACT
In an increasingly urban world, the availability of energy resources is a crucial issue for the needs and demands of constantly growing urban populations, especially in cities of developing countries. Nouakchott was founded in the middle of the desert in the early sixties as Mauritania sought independence from France and the transfer of institutions and structures to the new state. Lack of proper planning has led to a deficiency of infrastructure and basic services, such as water and electricity networks. According to a GTZ report, existing installed electric capacity is insufficient to meet total urban demand. The main source of water for the capital is the Senegal River, to the south. In Nouakchott, the solution may lie in renewable energies and hybrid energy systems to create affordable desalination. The exploitation of bioenergy resources is clearly at odds with some very fragile ecosystems and geo-climatic conditions, making these countries even more vulnerable.
