Desertec is renewable energy project based on getting energy from solar power

plants in the Sahara desert. Founded three years ago, the Desertec project, however,
has come to a momentary standstill. There is not enough political support for a
project that could end Europe’s energy problems.

The ambitious project calls for the construction of solar power plants
throughout the North African desert. Large mirrors would collect the sun’s heat and
turn water into steam, which, in turn, would be used to run generators.

Investors have promised to raise over € 400 billion Euros to pipe clean solar
energy from Northern Africa through an electrical grid to Europe by 2050. When
completed solar energy could make up 15% of Europe’s energy demands by 2050.

But three years after the projected started in 2009 there is still not a single power
plant in operation and in the past few weeks two main supporters of the project,
German companies Bosch and Siemens said they did not have the funds to support the
project any longer. After the Arab Spring, the political landscape in Africa is more
uncertain than ever. In addition, Spain, one of the key countries in the project, has
refused to sign a deal that would connect power lines between Morocco and the
European continent.

Politicians in Europe are hesitant because a renewable energy project on such a

large scale costs a lot of money, funds that European countries do not have as a result
of the Euro and Greek debt crisis. However, Europe needs more and more clean energy
and solar power is the only energy source that can provide power on such a large basis.

In the first stage three power plants are supposed to be constructed in Morocco.
Spain, however, has withdrawn its support. A deal without Spain is not likely because
underwater power cables would have to cross the Mediterranean Sea. Such cables
would be cheapest to build under the 14 km wide Strait of Gibraltar. From there
electricity could move on to Central and Western Europe.

Although Northern African countries need more and more energy themselves,
they also need guaranteed exports in order to build such plants and make them
profitable. Only if European countries promise.