Desertec is such major visions that to me it always sounded like a dream of the far future – in fact it seems that Europe will import its first solar-generated electricityA form of energy having magnetic, radiant and chemical effects. Electric current is created by a flow of electrons. from North Africa within the next five years!

European EnergyThe ability to perform work, mainly kinetic, potential, thermal energy, but also in forms of gravitational, sound, elastic and electromagnetic energy. Commissioner Guenther Oettinger confirmed the plan after a meeting with energy ministers from Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia, and he thinks that the first pilot projects will deliver some hundreds of megawatts to consumers in Europe. In the long run, the EUR400 billion (USD495 billion) Desertec project will bring thousands of megawatts of clean renewable electricity from North Africa to the European market.

Of course, such a huge vision needs much time and even more money, but over the next 20 to 40 years billions of Euros will build massive power plants of 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 energySolar energy is the light and radiant heat from the Sun that influences Earth's climate and weather and sustains life. For solar energy as a source for renewable energy, look up photovoltaics (solar power) or solar thermal energy.. Powerful solar radiationSolar radiant energy impinging on the earth in any given region or area. could contribute reaching the EU’s target of 20% renewable energy by 2020.

The EU is backing the construction of inter-connectors, electricity cables under the Mediterranean Sea to carry the load from production in Africa to consumption in Europe. The EU is also likely to assist in coordinating stakeholders and update regulations as to suit this transfer of energy across borders and continents.

Financing is also on the EU’s agenda; public money, subsidies and the possibility of state aid to firms involved in the project will be discussed once the consortium has presented a detailed business plan. The consortium includes major global players like Siemens, RWE and Deutsche Bank. Right now it appears that the EU will assist the plan by financing feasibility studiesA feasibility study considers all factors, like economic, legal and geographical issues, before a power plant is built..

At the meeting in Algiers  North African energy ministers also discussed the nature of the relationship between the two continents. Concerns were raised that once again Europe could exploit Africa’s natural resources. Oettinger countered by explaining that “RenewablesRenewable 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. are a two-way partnership because electricity produced here is for the home market of North African countries.“  The African ministers sent a signal they were willing to build the infrastructure and common market rules needed to allow a trade in renewable electricity with Europe.
The consensus is that all parties can profit from the project, because even if a bigger part of electricity is imported to the European market, it will also fulfill the energy needs of the local market. At the same time, technology, tools, machines and experts will be “exported” to the Saharan area and a real partnership is to be established between all parties involved.

Desertec is one of humankind’s biggest visions for the future of our energy systems, and could really be a brilliant opportunity to make use of new and clean technologies while at the same time it can establish fair partnerships across borders and even continents. Such will be the future if we are serious about sustainability.