I normally do not crib, whine and start complaining about stuff too much because I believe that 90% of those who use the internet already do that and hence there is more bitterness than needed and I really do not need to add my part to it. But I have a bit of an issue with this piece of news and it is surely not regarding the way solar energy is spreading its wings to expand and light up the world. Without a shadow of a doubt, this amazing new venture to set up giant solar farms in the Saharan dusty heat is a giant green step forward for the world. But why is it exactly going to Europe?
A series of huge solar panel farms in the Sahara desert could be the key to cutting Europe’s carbon footprint, according to scientists planning to harness the power of the sun. The ambitious vision is at the heart of scheme for a new £35.7billion super-grid that would allow European countries to share electricity from eco-friendly sources. The idea has been backed by Gordon Brown and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The intense sunlight in the North African desert could produce up to three times more electricity than similar solar photovoltaic panels in Northern Europe. The idea was discussed last month as part of the newly formed Mediterranean Union. The electricity would be transmitted along high voltage direct current cables. These would also allow countries such as the UK and Denmark to export wind energy and import energy from other green sources. The cost of building the high voltage lines could cost up to £1billion a year until 2050. By then the solar farms could produce 100GW.
Now I am all for such wonderful projects that harness renewable sources and I also understand that since the European nations are investing in this giant project they get to take the power home. But why can’t some portion of that energy go to Africa and even if they cannot invest in the project monetarily, it is still their land. I am not sure if this whole set up has energy supply provision to Africa somewhere and hopefully it has. But if it does not then it is a touch disappointing. Let all that though not take away from how essential and vital such eco-projects are for the planet.
Via: Dailymail
