Solar Panels in the Sahara Desert Could Power ALL of Europe
All of Europe's energy needs could be provided by a very large solar array in the
Sahara Desert, according to researchers. Dr. Anthony Patt, a research scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, explains:
It [North Africa] could supply Europe with all the energy it needs. The Sun is very strong there, and it is very reliable. There is starting to be a growing number of cost estimates of both wind and concentrated solar power for north Africa... that start to compare favorably with alternative technologies. The cost of moving [electricity] long distances has really come down.
How large a solar array would be needed to provide Europe's energy needs? Dr. Patt estimates the array would be the size of a small country (a fraction of the size of the Sahara Desert) and it would cost approximately $70 billion.
Via:
Consumer Energy Report
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Posted by Jennifer Lance at March 17, 2009 1:19 AM
Hi,
I am writing to request permission to use your photograph of solar panels in the desert for our publication "Post Carbon futures".
As I explained - Peace Child International is writing an up-beat educational book called "Post Carbon Futures." This is a working title. The book will paint a picture of what the world might look like in 40 years if we tackle the problem of climate change successfully. The book is supposed to be a “one-stop shop” for young people who want to know about what climate change is and how it might affect us, what we need to do to combat climate change and what individuals and governments are actually doing.
Please let me know if you need anymore information.
Tanya
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