Imagine a gigantic solar thermal power plant stretching across the Sahara Desert, sending huge quantities of energy across the Mediterranean to Europe — and emitting no CO2 in the process.
The Desertec is a $555 million (€400 billion) project which has been in the works for years. On Tuesday, a group of 20 companies, groups and governments revealed they would meet in mid-July to discuss the way forward. Should the venture ultimately become reality, it could cover up to 15 percent of Europe’s energy needs as well as provide power to North African countries.