Europe to Explore Green Energy Sources in Africa

Europe to Explore Green Energy Sources in Africa

Within the next five years, Africa's Sahara Desert is expected to become the hot spot as a renewable energy source. With daily temperatures rising to the extremes and relatively slight humidity to block the sun's rays, efforts are now being focused on ways to convert heat loss. Desert regions receive approximately twice the amount of solar radiation compared to those with humid environments. The fact that deserts lose almost twice as much heat throughout the night makes these regions prime candidates as alternative sources of energy. This may be the very solution we need to solve current gas and electricity woes as our current energy monitor drops.

Currently, it is reported the earth consumes approximately 13.5 tera watts, or one million million watts of energy. If solar panels were to cover merely 1% of the Sahara Desert, it would produce enough energy to power the globe. Only .3% of energy produced would satisfy the whole African continent. By constructing 6500 square miles of photovoltaic systems in conjunction with wind parks designated along the shores of north Africa and the middle east, converting the excess heat would be a profitable market for African nations.

European countries are backing construction of high voltage DC lines known as inter-connectors that would run under the Mediterranean Sea to Europe. The problem lies in the distance that the electricity must travel. Basic electrical theory teaches the farther energy must travel from its original source, the less power will be received at the outlet. In addition, not only does the cable act as a resistor, but power is lost in the form of heat which will result in creating enormous magnetic fields around the cable. A suggested option is to convert the solar power into chemical energy and ship in this form.

Vast amounts of water are required to keep solar panels free from dust which could decrease efficiency by 3%. With Africa's water scarcity, the only alternative would be to construct desalination plants. This could have a huge environmental impact on surrounding areas. First, there would be the need to create dunes to safeguard these photovoltaic farms. To keep the dunes from shifting, it would be necessary to plant vegetation; hence, the need to irrigate. Not only could the waste heat produce water to irrigate crops, it could be used to produce a potable water supply for local populations. However, no matter how promising in theory, there are still areas of concern-

* construction and maintenance of the solar panels-will they be manufactured from local material, what will be the cost of producing the necessary water?

* negotiating with countries who already have natural energy resources-how will countries too poor to buy benefit?

* meeting deadlines on such a vast scale-numerous European countries must come to agreement

Producing renewable energy on such an enormous scale requires ethical and environmental consideration. It's more than a partnership of buying and selling a commodity. Smaller solar panel systems such as the one in the Mojave Desert are invaluable resources to problems that can be expected. Taking this to a larger scale may prove to be a challenge to the five year plan now on the negotiating table.

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