Solar power to be harvested in Sahara
The Sahara sunlight could be harvested for European energy
A group of German private companies is aiming to harvest sunlight from the Sahara desert and use it to power European homes and businesses.
The Desertec project was first announced earlier this year and in the coming weeks around 20 major firms are expected to announce the formation of a consortium which will provide the €400 billion (£368 billion) needed to build solar power plants in north Africa.
Plans by the group suggest that the project could meet 15 per cent of Europe's electricity needs by 2050, with a peak output equivalent to 100 coal-fired power stations.
According to New Scientist, the scheme has so far garnered a mixed response, with some critics suggesting that it will involve richer European nations exploiting Africa and others arguing that it is a poor investment compared with covering Europe's roofs with photovoltaic solar panels.
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However, supporters of the initiative argue that the project could support European-based efforts, for example by storing heat at solar thermal plants which can then be used during the night when output from Europe's photovoltaic panels declines.
It was recently reported that South Africa is also getting in on the solar act, with the nation's government signing a memorandum of understanding with the Clinton Climate Foundation to develop the nation's first "solar park".
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