One of the most ambigious renewable energyRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. projects has had a sound start in Munich this week: Destertec. Within the next three years there are to be concrete plans for  solar thermal plants in North Africa, the initiators, twelve major companies, said. Whilst there is still technical research to be done, the main objective now is the financing of the giant project that is to deliver up to 15% of European electricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons. demand within  about 30 years, as well as to cover local demand. The investment will be around 400 bn. Euro until 2050.

The concept is an initiative of TREC (Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation was founded in September 2003 by an initiative of The Club of Rome, the Jordanian National EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. Research  Centre NERC, and the Hamburg ClimateClimate is typically defined as the average weather (or more rigorously a statistical description of the average in terms of the mean and variability) over a period of time, usually 30 years. These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate ... Protection Foundation HKF), who developed the Desertec Concept which aims to produce clean energy from windWind occurs due to different temperature levels in the atmosphere (troposphere) which are heated up by the sun. A typical example are the trade winds at the equator where the sun is most powerful.. and solar powerPhotovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Solar power is sometimes used as a synonym to refer to electricity generated from solar radiation. in and for the EU-MENA region (Middle East/ North Africa) and to supply the European gridA grid is a network of transmission lines, usually to distribute electric power ..

The idea is simple: a few hours of high radiation in the desertA wide, open, comparatively barren tract of land with few forms of life and little rainfall. (MGH) translates to the yearly energy demandDemand is measured in kWh and describes the requirement for energy as an input to provide products and/or services of an economy. Electricity suppliers run their power station accordingly. of the world. But then… it isn’t that simple.

DESERTEC Map - Source: Wiki Commons, TREC

While there is widespread political support (SPD, German Green Party, Greenpeace,..) and willing investors, the realities are still difficult.

The German Institute of Thermodynamics has published studies on future European electricity demand, renewable energy potential in the desert areas, and the transmission grid.

It’s been concluded that the simpler technology of solar thermal energyAims at transferring the radiation from the sun to thermal energy. Usually to warm up water. is to be installed, which unlike photovoltaicPhotovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Solar power is sometimes used as a synonym to refer to electricity generated from solar radiation. doesn’t convert sunlight directly into electricity. The thermal high temperature collectors use concentrated solar power (mirrors, lenses) to heatHeat is a form of energy. Ways to convert it into useful energy are described in the field of thermo-dynamics. the liquid-medium in order to produce steam. The steam then drives a standard turbineA turbine transforms kinetic energy into mechanical energy and provides the generator with rotation. that operates with an efficiencyUsing less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less. of around 40%. This method is cheaper than electricity production through silicium cells, less complicated and usually takes up less space. Similar systems are already in use in Spain (Andasol) and the U.S.

Another advantage of CPS (Concentrated solar powerUseful energy can be mechanical energy, for example powering a fan.) is the possibility of energy storage through heat, which is much easier to achieve through insulated buffer tanks than storing electricity. That would make electricity production at night possible. Hot salt tanks have been found to be very efficient and cheap, and convenient as the sea is nearby. An additional benefit could be the desalination of sea water.

A problem could be the inevitable transmissionThe delivery of electricity to the retail customer's home or business through low voltage distribution lines. losses on the long way to the European grid. This HVDC (high voltage direct current) connection will apparently have transmission losses of around 15%. The cabling will gulp a large chunk of investment.

Of course, sunshine is free, and maintenance is lower compared to other power plants. Yet the investment is gigantic.

One concern is the political instability of the countries involved. Europe would be vulnerable to foreign government disturbing the grid… something that isn’t unique, and a similar threat comes also from the Russian side concerning gas, and even Nabucco will go through rather unstable countries. Algeria and Libya are already reliable  partners for gas and oil now.

A key issue will therefore be the correlation between African and European countries. African countries have to be actively involved, and own the project rather than having it imposed. Also it ought to create quality jobs in the area. Then it could, in fact, be beneficial on the way to a more peaceful and prosperous future in the regions.

Some are concerned that if  capacities are now concentrating on the Desertec project, there will be less investment for European Renewable Energy Projects. But for the 2020 EU- targets  to be met, there are new alternative powerRenewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil. stations already in building or planning in Europe. The North African Solar Station is anticipated for full capacity  around 2050.

It’s very much expected to be built, and hopefully it won’t be another project that will just make energy suppliers richer. German calculations of the Aerospace Centre reckon prices could go down from 0.09-0,22 to 0,04-0,05 Euro/kWh. If those cheaper prices will be given to the final consumer, is another story.

In general it has to be said to all efforts to reduce GHG-emissionsEmissions of greenhouse gases, greenhouse gas precursors, and aerosols associated with human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, land-use changes, livestock, fertilisation, etc. (IPCC) are worth exploring, and major projects like this could help find a solution for the pressingPressing is a mechanical process to extract oil from oily plants and seeds. energy situation.