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Europe to buy Africa’s sun

Published: 03 August, 2009, 13:07
Edited: 26 September, 2010, 03:06

TAGS: Ecology, Africa


History books may have to reserve space for yet another example that with enough money and brainpower Europeans can have anything - even Africa’s sun.

“Within 6 hours, deserts receive more energy from the sun than humankind consumes within a year.” This statement, credited to Dr. Gerhard Knies, is like a slogan for optimistic Europeans who believe they can benefit from another of Africa’s natural resources—solar power.

Plans are being developed, under a project named Desertec, to place solar thermal plants in the Sahara desert in North Africa. Then, via high voltage direct current transmission, the resulting power is to be transported approximately 2000km and distributed throughout Europe.

ABB claims the idea to power Europe with Africa’s sun dates back to 1992. “Development manager for technology, Gunnar Asplund, drew up a map detailing how renewable energy could be harnessed to meet the needs of our power-hungry populations,” wrote the company’s Communications Department.

“His scheme included wind farms, hydro- and geothermal plants, and a series of solar plants across North Africa, connected to Europe… In the 1990s, the map inspired dreams of the future. It is now the central theme of the Desertec project.”

Wind farms are also part of Desertec’s focus. ABB, a project member, claims currently to be working on a number of projects to strengthen the European “super grid,” to feed power from offshore wind parks into the network.

12 corporations have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Desertec. Many of them, such as Siemens and HSH Nordbank, are envisioning how their contributions will make the project a success.

If Desertec is indeed successful, it will be a wonder in more ways than one. Those who have pledged participation highlight multiple issues that will be addressed.

By mid-century, Europe will get 15% of its power from the Sahara Desert at cheap rates. The Middle East and North Africa will also have access to the clean energy. CO2 emissions will be cut and all participating countries will be less reliant on fossil fuels. Furthermore, developing countries will have gained jobs, revenue and improved infrastructure.

But technological hurdles are not the only ones that need to be cleared to get this project off the ground.

“The necessary measures will take at least two decades to become effective. Therefore, adequate policy and economic frames for their realization must be introduced immediately,” says the Desertec website.

Buying Africa’s weather won’t come cheap. The project is estimated to cost about €400 billion. However, Desertec members don’t seem phased about the cost yet.

“There is an inevitable need for energy production and no matter what path is taken there will be financial expenditures connected to it,” says Desertec.

However, this is a project that involves the co-operation of multiple countries. And that could present challenges as great any technology issues.

Michelle Smith for RT

+9 (11 votes)
 
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Goran September 25, 2010, 19:35
0

Because there will always be unemployment? Even Belarus has a 1% unemployment rate. Can some countries do more, or better? Sure. I really can't think of a reason for most developed countries to not have unemployment rates at the same level as Belarus. Solar cells are increasingly becoming more inexpensive. You can sacrifice some efficiency in exchange for a massive decrease in costs for solar cells. What's more, I think this is a loaded title. "Europe will buy Africa's sun." No, Europe wants solar cells placed in the Sahara Desert, and to buy the power. Africa's sun isn't being bought, or denied in any manner whatsoever. I am more than certain that the relatively stable North African nations are more than able to stand up for themselves, and demand fair rates, and jobs for having the solar farms in their country. Libya is a perfect example, as Gaddafi's got 2 million African migrant workers in Libya, where Europe wants them to stay, and not move onto Italy, and then the rest of the EU. Libya is a perfect example of a nation that won't get taken advantage of here. Egypt should make such a project by itself, really. Algeria I imagine would stand up for itself as well. I think you should see this as not just Europe "raping Africa yet again." How exactly is Africa going to get raped here? Cheap jobs? The jobs will pay more than the average in the host nations in all likelihood, just as South Korean companies pay North Korean workers significantly more than the North Korean average, yet still significantly lower than the South Korean average. Stolen Sun? Nope, the Sun cannot be stopped from going to Africa, parts of it will just get collected in a desert. PS, all of Europe isn't united. Get over it, and stop generalising. You can't have both. Africa is a continent, not a country. So too is Europe. So too is Europe diverse. So too do European countries take advantage of other European countries.

Jungle Girl September 16, 2009, 01:07
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You people are always trying to outsmart the so called dark continent "AFRICA". Why don't you leave us alone. You want Africa's resources at a cheap rate. When were you/are you willing to share what you have at a cheap rate with Africans." We will gain jobs". Do you mean paying them shit cents while your so called Europeans employees, oh I forgot, EXECUTIVES, etc., gain the bulk of the wealth. Do you think our Continent have forgotten your greed and selfish intend? And Listen to COUNT CASH: "Good way to go, with our vast landmass we will go the same way. One word of warning to the Europeans though. It won't work unless you solve the political issues in Africa, to bring peace, wealth and stability to ordinary African people. Without this it will not work, as these assets can be destroyed too easily". He is the only greedy level head so far. But who starts the war in Africa? Isn't it you greedy Heartless fool who wants cheap natural resources from our idiotic, brainwashed and wana-bees so called leaders in Africa. Are you concern about the death of innocent women and children or all you want is Europe to steal cheap Africa’s sun. No one talks about how this would benefit the whole world. Everyone of you thinking how you and you vain friends and family can screw your poor people in Europe and the Jungle Bunnies in Africa. I am sure this time it would not be easy. This is why people like you are aganist the unity of Africa or the progress of your own people. If you have 400 billion dollars why do you still have hunger and homlessness in you Countries? Some of you have lied for years stating you are fighting hunger in Africa while increasing your bank accounts and getting tax write off. Leave us alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mandarin August 04, 2009, 16:29
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Could eventually provide he wealth that all Africans will benefit from. But only if the political and social issues can be addressed first.