Can Sahara really give Europe a bright future?

Sahara Desert Solar Project

The EU's renewable energy vision revolves around solar power. The only problem is that in many parts of Europe, daily sunshine is far from guaranteed. Which is why Europe is looking to the deserts of Africa for a future renewable power source.

The 400 billion euro Desertec Industrial Initiative aims to develop "a reliable, sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply" in North Africa's Sahara desert that can provide the entire MENA region with energy, and what's left over is then expected to be capable of providing 15 percent of Europe's energy demands by 2050.

As reported by EarthTimes.org, although the technology used - concentrated solar power (CSP) that allows generators to run at night, thus enabling production of electricity "on demand", like in conventional power stations - is not new, the location of the large-scale project stands out in the solar industry, which has seen enormous growth over the last decade, in several European countries, especially Germany.

Timing of the project is far from ideal

Marcel Vietor, the head of foreign energy policy at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), says of the project: "Projects like Desertec might seem visionary at the moment, but are likely to become viable in some years. And those companies and countries that engage early in the development of such projects will gain comparative advantages."

The timing of the Desertec project is far from ideal as it is getting off the ground just as many other solar programs are taking a hit after the global recession, with many solar companies across Europe - including Germany, a world leader in solar power - experiencing a collapse in earnings and even more fearing a cut in government subsidies.

But the potential economic pulling power of the Sahara solar project will eventually prevail, as CSP is cheaper than traditional PV solar farms, despite the projects size.

Capable of producing up to 470,000MW by 2050

With no fuel costs and a lifetime of at least 40 years, the plant in North Africa can produce seven times more power than one in Germany, Lewis points out. Research by the German Aerospace Centre shows that concentrated solar power plants in MENA will be capable of producing up to 470,000MW by the year 2050.

It is hoped the project can begin in 2015, needing three years at least to conduct a feasibility study, look into methods of financing and evaluate political issues involved.

Despite initial concerns over regional instability and opposition to the project, it is believed that MENA governments will not take long to change their minds once they are made aware of the energy benefits for their country.

But they can also gain through job opportunities and revenues.

Achieving a balance between MENA and Europe

Another obstacle is achieving a balance between North Africa and Europe with regard to production and distribution of electricity.

Political initiatives supporting stability and democracy in the region will also be needed to facilitate the projects development.

Dan Lewis, the chief executive at the London-based Economic Policy Centre says, "This is the world we live in.

"And there are two things that can be done to protect such projects: diversity of energy supplies as well as encouraging such countries to have representative governments."

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