Desertec: A clean energy project that could serve as a bridge
The Desertec project aims to harness the solar and wind resources of the vast deserts across North Africa and the Middle East. As demands for political and economic reform across the region grow, together with concerns over climate change and nuclear energy, Desertec’s supporters argue that the project is the future, especially for the young generation.
The sun shines over a parabolic mirror with solar receivers placed in the middle of a solar thermal parabolic trough power plant in the desert state of Nevada. Photo: © dpa
Günter Gloser, member of the Bundestag (Lower House of Parliament) and former Minister of State for Europe, has long advocated for the clean energy project. YG interviewed Gloser, who was present at the founding of the Dii industrial initiative backing Desertec, as part of our special coverage of the transformative events sweeping North Africa and the Middle East.
Mr. Gloser, you’ve long supported the Desertec project. What made you initially back this ambitious vision?
I strongly support this type of energy partnership in the face of climate change, continuing demand for energy, turning away from nuclear energy and the diversification of energy supplies. Also, this partnership can be a great opportunity for the Southern Mediterranean countries: through opening up new sources of energy, independence from energy imports, creation of jobs.
Since the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant, an energy rethink is happening. Yet the argument is often made that renewables only meet a tiny fraction of energy demands. What is Desertec's long-term plan for the delivery of clean power to Europe?
Alongside saving energy, development of renewable energies in Europe and energy imports from other regions, Desertec can make an important contribution to this. Studies have shown that by the year 2050, solar power imports from North Africa could meet around 15% of the European energy demand.
Dii was founded October 30, 2009 with 13 founding signatories. It now has over 50 institutions including the Fraunhofer Society and Max-Planck Society. What are the obstacles to realizing this project?
If you realize the long-term nature of this project, you cannot expect results within the first three years. In the meantime, there have already been a multitude of talks with North African partners about specific projects. Even after the upheaval in Tunisia, officials assured me how important the construction of solar-thermal power plants was for their country. On a recent visit to Algiers I also received positive signals. And Morocco is at the forefront regarding renewable energy. Of course there are still financial issues that must be solved and the question of the construction of energy transfer networks must be addressed.
Desertec has been referred to in some media as one large 400 billion euro project, when in reality it’s many smaller projects. What are the prospects for Tunisia and Egypt?
The Desertec project will develop step by step. All North African countries meet the necessary prerequisites. The recent political upheavals in North Africa will cause some delays. But the project will be realized because there is the necessary political will for it.
The demonstrations across the region are due in large part to the exclusion of the young generation from political and economic life. How could Desertec encourage knowledge transfer and the development of local industries?
My political appraisal of the Desertec-initiative always assumed a bilateral approach. That is: The construction of wind farms and solar-thermal power plants should also be able to supply energy to the region, especially to countries which have no energy sources of their own. At the same time the Desertec projects create new jobs, education and training related to these new technologies which will benefit the young generation.
Interview: Angela Boskovitch
