A group based in Germany by the name of Desertec wants to implement solar panels in the deserts of North Africa and the middle east to provide clean energy to Europe as well as local areas. They plan to setup a similar model in Morocco on a lesser scale to demonstrate the feasibility of the project. Their goal is to be self sustaining by 2050 and project a budget of $400 billion.
Solar power is undoubtedly becoming a more effective energy source and analysts even say will be able to contend with fossil fuels by 2020. Other problems arise though, with the instability of Africa potentially causing problems as well as the vast distance the energy would be traveling. I think it could work if proper measures and precautions were taken. Not to mention it is still a few decades from being implemented so lots of unpredictable factors can occur in that time span. Hopefully the United States looks at this plan to create some type of large scale solar plan too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15984493
Trevor Engstrom
Ryan Maness Friday 9am section
After reading this article would have to agree and say that this project if overseen correctly would have a great chance to work. The benefits the whole system carries would for sure outweigh all of the initial costs of construction. But two things that stood out to me was the country chosen and the method of running the power cables underwater. Although Morocco seems to be a good country for such a project, African nations in particular are filled with corrupt politics and one would have to ensure that this project does not dip too far into that region. The other thing that stood out to me is the fact that underwater cables does not seem feasible to me at least for now...the engineers would have to account for ocean pressure and not to mention continental plate movement so all in all this seems difficult but maybe a project that would take a lot longer than expected.
ReplyDeleteKyagaba David Lwanga
Ryan, 10am, Friday
I think this is a wonderful idea that helps alleviate the consumption of natural resources to power our live. This is important as global warming gets worse. Although I think this is a great idea, the costs are a staggering $400 billion.
ReplyDeleteQian Wu
Ryan Mannas F 9am
POLS 184
I also think this is a great idea considering we’re in desperate need of alternative energy sources. Since Europe typically doesn't get intense sunlight, this would be a great way to provide jobs and electricity in Africa, as well as powering Europe with renewable energy. These developing countries would be able to make money through these solar panels to better their economies. Hopefully, Desertec’s efforts prove to be attainable, otherwise this will just end up being another expensive project.
ReplyDeleteSylvia C.
Ryan Maness 10 am
I agree that this is a good concept and something worth striving for in the future. I believe that such an effort is something that the US should jump on and help pioneer. The world is in need of a clean, sustainable energy alternative and the UD could greatly benefit by helping to start this. Though I do agree that the costs seem staggering and unknown variables do still remain, I think that the US will greatly benefit (along with the rest of the world) if this concept is worked on and developed aggressively.
ReplyDeleteKeara McGraw F 9am Maness
I think this is a really great idea. I myself am a fan of pro-everything not gasoline. The world is definitely in need of new sources of energy and this is a start. This would be a massive project that does cost quite a bit. The likes of such a project have only been seen on a small scale and would be interesting to see where this all leads. Many large companies will have to begin moving towards producing new sources of energy to stay ahead of the race and this is a prime example.
ReplyDeleteSarvateet Patel
11am Friday - Benthuysen
I believe this is a good plan to provide more energy to the world without doing damage compared to fossil fuels or oil. This also could be a new start of the future where we do not need to use any other energy source besides solar. And I heard Japan is trying to have every house have a solar panel.
ReplyDeleteHikaru Kato
ReplyDeleteTA: Ryan Maness
this does seem to be like a good idea to get a new source of energy to Europe. While the price does seem a bit staggering I also agree that if they are able to work out all the kinks then it will be more than worth the effort and money put into the project.
ReplyDeleterocio clara
ryan friday 10am
This is a good plan to not only improve the environment but also Africa's economy. On the long run, it may improve their political stability and further progress international relations. At the same time, I firmly believe that this idea will convince the U.S. to implement simple measures here.
ReplyDeleteEmmanuel Cordova
TA John
Friday 11am
In my opinion this is a great plan/idea. This can be a good cause for many reasons, it can improve the environment, the economy, and to provide a new and better source to all over the world. Because of this idea i also believe that the US should definitely jump into consideration and help on it. But at the end is going to be interesting where this plan ends up in the long run.
ReplyDeleteAndres Ortegano
TA Ryan fridays @ 10 am
Even though the costs of building up the solar panels is expensive, it would be a great way to create energy. It would not harm our planet and in the long run everyone will benefit from this. Good investment.
ReplyDelete