DESERTEC: Solar Energy from MENA to Europe

This is one of the most promising and exciting project proposals to emerge for years. In fact, the idea to energize Europe with renewable energy from the Middle East could be one of the milestones of future energy security plans linking Europe with the Middle East.

The proposal is entitled DESERTEC and developed by the Trans-Mediterranean Renewable Energy Cooperation (TREC). The detailed proposal was presented to the European Parliament by HRH Prince Hasan Bin Talal of Jordan in December 2007.

It comprises building a network of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to meet EU-MENA projected energy needs. High-efficiency electricity grids would be constructed to transfer the power around and across the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe.

CSP concentrates solar radiation using large mirrors to create steam that drives turbines or motor engines to generate electricity.

The plan estimates that start up costs of €10 billion will be needed for the initial seven years, with funds coming from EU-MENA countries. Further costs could then be covered by revenue from power sales.

The EU has committed to getting 20 per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. But the total cost of Desertec could reach €400 billion in the next few decades, casting doubt on whether it will be adopted.

The core of TREC is an international network of scientists, politicians and other experts in the field of renewable forms of energy and their development. The membersof TREC (nearly 50 in number, including His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin Talal of Jordan) are in regular contact with national governments and with private investors, aiming to communicate the benefits that may be obtained from the cooperative use of solar energy and wind energy, and developing concepts and promoting specific projects in this field.

For more information about DESERTEC please visit

http://www.desertec.org/concept.html