Exports of solar energy from North Africa

Journal article

There is no doubt today that solar electricity export from the deserts of Northern Africa to Europe is technically feasible. While it is clear that such 'Desertec' projects are technically, institutionally and financially complex, the picture that emerges after piecing together the individual pieces of this jigsaw is one of utilising proven components and technology to serve a mature market with a clear need for increased supply of electricity from carbon-free sources. Recent initiatives such as the German-led 'Desertec Industrial Initiative' (DII) and the World Bank's $750m Clean Technology Fund (CTF) programme for scaling-up concentrating solar power (CSP) technology in the Middle-East/North Africa (MENA) region merely serve to highlight that industry and policy-makers have increasingly realised its overwhelming potential.

Authors: Stenzel, T

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Oxford Institute for Energy Studies
• Journal: Oxford Energy Forum
• Volume: 79
• Pages: 21-23
• Publication date: 2009-11-01
• Edition: Publisher's version
• ISSN: 0959-7727
• Language: English
• Keywords: OIES