Out of Africa: Saharan Solar Energy

Time ^ | January 17, 2009 Time Issue | VIVIENNE WALT

[decimon]

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A few years ago, scientists began to calculate just how much energy the Sahara holds. They were astounded at the answer. In theory, a 35,000-sq.-mi. (90,600 sq km) chunk of the Sahara — smaller than Portugal and a little over 1% of its total area — could yield the same amount of electricity as all the world's power plants combined. A smaller square of 6,000 sq. mi. (15,500 sq km) — about the size of Connecticut — could provide electricity for Europe's 500 million people. "I admit I was skeptical until I did the calculations myself," says Michael Pawlyn, director of Exploration Architecture, one of three British environmental companies comprising the Sahara Forest Project, which is testing solar plants in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Pawlyn calls the Sahara's potential "staggering."

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[decimon]

Kadaffi should be working on this.

[chuck_the_tv_out]

pie, meet sky

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

For all the trouble the Muslims have caused, they should do this and donate free electricity to the world for the next 1,000 years.

[decimon]

pie, meet sky

Supplying Europe with electricity as stated, yes. But for a country like Libya, why not? See how that goes and then consider grander schemes.

[Onelifetogive]

which is testing solar plants in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Pawlyn calls the Sahara's potential "staggering.

Officially, the absolute worst job in the world would be sweeping the blown sand off of solar panels the size of a small US state, in the Sahara Desert.

[hinckley buzzard]

The Sahara has 100 foot high dunes that roll across the plain like waves in the ocean. Makes it kinda tough to build on.

[decimon]

Officially, the absolute worst job in the world would be sweeping the blown sand off of solar panels the size of a small US state, in the Sahara Desert.

Maybe. But I've seen pictures of the guys working that salt field out there.

[BwanaNdege]

” “I admit I was skeptical until I did the calculations myself,” says Michael Pawlyn, director of Exploration Architecture”

The problem is that he did not finish his calculations. 6,000 square miles of solar panels equals 10,450,317,845 (200 watt) panels. At a cost of $910 each, that equals $9,509,789,238,579! Not counting mounting hardware, controllers, batteries, inverters or transmission lines.

Yep, simple as pie. Just cover 6,000 square miles of the Sahara with solar panels and we can supply Europe’s needs.