DESERTEC: European project for the exploitation of energy from deserts.
The TREC was founded with the aim of providing "clean energy" quickly and cheaply for Europe and the "solar belt" countries through cooperation between the EU-MENA countries (Europe, Middle East and North Africa).
Energy from deserts, complementary to European renewable energy sources, can accelerate the process of reducing CO2 emissions and also increase the security of European energy supply. At the same time, it will create jobs, sources of income, clean water by desalination of seawater and thus improve infrastructure in MENA countries.
TREC participated in the realization of two studies that evaluated the potential of renewable energy in the MENA, the expected needs for 2050 in water and energy in these countries, and the feasibility of a connection by an electrical network between EU and MENA (EU-MENA connection).
Both studies were funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and were carried out by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The reports of these 'MED-CSP' and 'TRANS-CSP' studies were completed in 2005 and 2006. An 'AQUA-CSP' report on the needs and potential of solar desalination of seawater in MENA has been
finished late 2007.
The concept "DESERTEC"
DLR's satellite studies have shown that by using less than 0,3% of the total desert area in the MENA region, solar power generation can be sufficient to meet future demand for electricity and electricity. freshwater from EU-MENA countries. The use of wind energy especially in Morocco and the Red Sea could generate additional electricity. Electricity from solar and wind sources can be distributed in MENA and sent to Europe via High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) lines with losses not exceeding 10 to 15% . The Club of Rome and TREC both support this DESERTEC concept, which puts technology and deserts at the service of energy, water and climate protection. Countries such as Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia have already shown interest in such cooperation.
More: energy exploitation of deserts
The official site: Desertec.org