The $400 billion Desertec Industrial Initiative (DII) which proposes using the Sahara to generate enough energy that could, as some analysts say, power Europe, has created a JV with many big names onboard such as German reinsurer Munich Re, Siemens, E.ON, and RWE. Appointed CEO of DII is leading European energy industry expert Paul van Son, in charge of recruiting staff in order to build up framework surrounding the construction of the power plants and grid infrastructure.
And instead of the 2050 estimated period to supply Europe with 15% of its energy needs, now the JV believes that year could come sooner – 35 years sooner which means as early as 2015. The technology to be used in the project, concentrated solar power (CSP), utilizes mirrors to focus light on water pipes or boilers, generating superheated steam to operate the turbines of generators. There are already some small CSP plants in Spain and North Africa, with the power used locally. However, Desertec plans to see big power stations of 1GW operating in five years and exporting current across the Mediterranean.
"We have now passed a real milestone as the company has been founded and there is definitely a profitable business there," said Professor Peter Höppe, Munich Re’s head of climate change.
Please see previous stores about Desertec on Alternative Energy Africa:
Signing of the Desertec Initiative Nears
Acciona Wants to Join Desertec