GTFS: Global Trends and Future Scenarios Index

Solar Power from North Africa: Frameworks and Prospects

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The idea of generating solar electricity in the Sahara Desert and exporting it to Europe is captivating, both from the climate and energy perspective and with an eye to Europe’s goal of intensifying cooperation with its southern neighbours. Correspondingly great has been the political and media interest provoked by the Mediterranean Solar Plan launched in 2008 by the Union for the Mediterranean and the private-sector Desertec Industrial Initiative, founded in 2009 by a consortium led by Münchener Rück. But if these highly ambitious projects are to become reality, a proper financial, political, legal and regulatory framework will need to be put in place.