The EU is planning a new supergrid initiative that would harness the massive amount of sun pounding down on the
The project would have a number of farms each generating between 50 and 200 MW through PV or solar thermal concentration, which would travel the thousands of miles back to the EU through high voltage DC transmission lines. All the countries of the EU would share the solar power, along with wind and geothermal power supplied by other EU countries – or if the project does indeed supply all the electricity needed via solar, the wind and geothermal power would be exported. Solar farms in the Sahara would generate up to three times as much electricity as similar sized farms in
While it seems to be getting some political backing already, I have a hard time imagining it moving forward very quickly, if at all, even though the Sahara does seem like an ideal spot for solar power generation. Considering the advances made in solar thermal concentration, and what little would be needed of the vastness of the
Via Treehugger, The Guardian, Commondreams; Photo via mtsrs
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written by Proud Human Supremacist, July 25, 2008
This sounds like an awesome idea. It may take a while to get going. The only thing I see wrong with it is there's not mention of the power being shared with Africa. That much electricity could do a lot to cheaply and cleanly help people there get a better quality of life. If it's shared with Africa, not to mention the help by boosting local economies then this is great. I just don't want this kind of power to be treated more like traditional power. One of the reasons OPEC doesn't like us is because for the longest time, the West had total control over just about all the oil and wealth in their countries. They still have some hard feelings about that.
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written by Andrew Leinonen, July 25, 2008
While I'm not sure the power is being shared with Africa, from what I recall, one of the most significant benefits for Saharan dwellers is that it will act as a power generation/desalination plant, with the steam used in the CPV system will be used to produce distilled fresh water.
Though distilled water isn't good to drink, it should be easy enough to reintroduce some of the mineral salts in lower concentrations to make it useful for human consumption.
Though distilled water isn't good to drink, it should be easy enough to reintroduce some of the mineral salts in lower concentrations to make it useful for human consumption.
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written by brian, July 25, 2008
The argument that distilled water is not "useful for human consumption" is pretty bogus. It doesn't taste good, but, uh, it's water. Essential for life and stuff.
If the water you drink is the only source of minerals in your diet, you have much bigger problems ....
If the water you drink is the only source of minerals in your diet, you have much bigger problems ....
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written by brian, July 25, 2008
uhh, how is distilled water "not useful for human consumption"? It may not taste very good, but it is water. Essential for life and stuff.
If your water is your only dietary source of minerals, you have much bigger problems already....
If your water is your only dietary source of minerals, you have much bigger problems already....
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written by Justin, July 25, 2008
This might be a great way to generate clean power, but it has massive problems geo-politically. How much say do Africans have in this project? How do they benefit? Who controls the plants? What if the African host nations decide they want to use the power for themselves or want to cut the lines to Europe? It all has a bit of neo-colonial stench to it. How is it any different than pulling diamonds or oil or any other resource out of Africa that has caused so much turmoil and bloodshed?
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written by dialtone, July 25, 2008
this is a great idea - the U.S. needs to do the same in the desert southwest -
as for Africa- I am sure the countries where this will be built will get a share of the power - they should definitely desalinate sea water & make the desert bloom - win - win all around
as for Africa- I am sure the countries where this will be built will get a share of the power - they should definitely desalinate sea water & make the desert bloom - win - win all around
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written by mike, July 25, 2008
The African nations where the grid could be built should be giving the EU a cut of their power, not the other way around. It's absurd.
European Union and solar power for 21st century colonialism!!
Africa for Africans.
European Union and solar power for 21st century colonialism!!
Africa for Africans.
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written by The Food Monster, July 26, 2008
http://thefoodmonsterblog.blogspot.com
How does the EU claim to have the right to the Sahara? There is all kinds of fishy going on here. African nations better be getting at least 50% of the power, provided they are able to pony up some of the dough to build it.
How does the EU claim to have the right to the Sahara? There is all kinds of fishy going on here. African nations better be getting at least 50% of the power, provided they are able to pony up some of the dough to build it.
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written by Hellibore, July 26, 2008
Oh dear, doesn't the West ever learn from its mistakes?
What happens if the rag heads turn off the sunlight there and then hold the EU to ransom?
What happens if the rag heads turn off the sunlight there and then hold the EU to ransom?
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written by Piers, July 26, 2008
Does anybody else worry about the idea of high voltage DC power lines over long distances? Couldn't this create magnetic fields sort of like artificial ley lines? Please tell me if this is rubbish !
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written by Michael P., July 26, 2008
There is a new world wide web emerging right before our eyes.
It is a global energy network and, like the internet, it will change our culture, society and how we do business. More importantly, it will alter how we use, transform and exchange energy.
Enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world's energy needs for a full year.
There is no energy supply problem, there is an energy distribution problem -- and the emerging solution is a new world wide web of electricity.
For more information, see http://www.terrawatts.com
It is a global energy network and, like the internet, it will change our culture, society and how we do business. More importantly, it will alter how we use, transform and exchange energy.
Enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world's energy needs for a full year.
There is no energy supply problem, there is an energy distribution problem -- and the emerging solution is a new world wide web of electricity.
For more information, see http://www.terrawatts.com
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written by Paul Barthle, July 27, 2008
I wonder if these solar plants could be built around the desert as a replacement for trees in terms of a canopy effect? By reducing insolation at the soil level, perhaps a shade and drought tolerant understory could be grown to stop the desert from spreading. Partner with farmers that use best management practices for rotational grazing and we could see a local benefit as well as one for the EU.
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written by Andrew, July 28, 2008
Africans have the resource. Europeans have the capital to develop it. The world just clicks on the same way it always has done.
Colonialism is baloney. This is much less intrusive than US interference in the middle east for oil.
Africans, get jobs and access to affordable renewables. As they develop more, they can capitalise their own plants and export the power.
There are several Saharan African countries. If the farms are properly distributed no one country will hold the EU ransom. Besides the EU have big tanks and aeroplanes. (Just like the US)
Colonialism is baloney. This is much less intrusive than US interference in the middle east for oil.
Africans, get jobs and access to affordable renewables. As they develop more, they can capitalise their own plants and export the power.
There are several Saharan African countries. If the farms are properly distributed no one country will hold the EU ransom. Besides the EU have big tanks and aeroplanes. (Just like the US)
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written by Matt, July 29, 2008
The project would have a number of farms each generating between 50 and 200 MW through PV or solar thermal concentration, which would travel the thousands of miles back to the EU through high voltage DC transmission lines.
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written by R V G menon, August 05, 2008
It is strange that people who accept as normal, the evacuation of non-renewable oil and gas from the middle east, considers the evacuation of solar generated electricity, which is renewable, as colonial exploitation.
Sure, the Africans must be paid a royalty or a share of the electricity, or both, as part of this venture.
It is also pertinent to point out that there is already a project to develop such solar farms in Nevada, which can free the US from the dfependaence on imported oil.
Yes, the future of the world lies in solar energy and not in nuclear.
Sure, the Africans must be paid a royalty or a share of the electricity, or both, as part of this venture.
It is also pertinent to point out that there is already a project to develop such solar farms in Nevada, which can free the US from the dfependaence on imported oil.
Yes, the future of the world lies in solar energy and not in nuclear.
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written by John Jones, February 25, 2009
this is where i get all my good shit i love it! the fresh water is amazing dont drink tap water it will eventually kill us all
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written by Distilled Water, February 25, 2009
oh yeah nice comment u wanker
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written by Bill Le, June 21, 2009
Will the Sun shine for HGUE in Saudi Arabia?
Solterra is in the running to receive one of several mega contracts the Saudi government is going to award.
http://twitthis.com/rwvtzy
Will HGUE/Solterra Renewable Technologies be
nothing short of a realistic shot at life-altering wealth! Read about the future.
http://www.solterrasolarcells.
Solterra is in the running to receive one of several mega contracts the Saudi government is going to award.
http://twitthis.com/rwvtzy
Will HGUE/Solterra Renewable Technologies be
nothing short of a realistic shot at life-altering wealth! Read about the future.
http://www.solterrasolarcells.
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