As a promising renewable source of green energy, solar power has emerged as most common alternative. However, what is creating hurdles is its demand for a large and expensive infrastructure.
Although technology has lessen the expansiveness for green energy lovers, but at a larger level search for some better project is on.
In such an attempt, a project, under collaboration between CSEM, Neuchatel’s Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology and the local government is being considered.
It will be an artificial floating island somewhere near the equator, between tropics in ocean having its face towards sun throughout 365 days for maximum output.
Not very difficult to find, the Gulf state of Ras al Khaimah,United Arab Emirates standing at top of list.
It’s something like an island floating on an inflated ring, inflatable-raft style with large field of concentrators to heat the water. Steam generated will then produce electricity.
Not only this but, electricity can further be utilized to generate hydrogen, which could be shipped anywhere at times of requirements.
But, it doesn’t seem to be an easy task as building such infrastructure is in it self a big challenge, both technically and financially.
Right now, a prototype costing $5M and about 100 meters wide with a peak power generation of approximately 1 megawatt is being designed by UAE.
Image Credit:Ecogeek
Via: Swissinfo
