ALGERIA WILL SELL SUN TO EUROPE

Though the articles do not specify it, the descriptions indicate the solar installation is “concentrating” solar, which would be a wise choice for a region with a lot of space and a lot of sun. Statistics indicate concentrating solar is or soon will be economically viable in the US.

Algeria aims to tap vast sunbelt to export solar energy to Europeans
Aidan Lewis, August 13, 2007 (AP via SE Missourian)
and
Algeria, baking in Sahara, aims to be soplar energy’s cutting edge; State-of-the-art hybrid plant to aid Europe, too
August 13, 2007 (AP via Arizona Star)

WHO
New Energy Algeria (NEAL), Tewfik Hasni, managing director;

WHAT
NEAL is inaugurating construction of a new 150 megawatt power plant incorporating natural gas and solar energy.

click to enlarge

WHEN
- NEAL was created by the Algerian government in 2002 to develop renewable resources.
- The new plant is expected to be generating 150 megawatts by 2010 with a long-term goal of generating 6,000 megawatts for export tot Europe by 2020. Cables to Europe planned for 2010-2012.
- 3 similar hybrid plants planned by 2015

WHERE
- Hassi R'mel, 260 miles south of Algiers
- Energy will be delivered to Sicily and Spain via undersea cable.

WHY
- 25 megawatts from giant parabolic mirrors over 2 million square feet (45 football fields). Solar thermal uses parabolic mirror arrays to heat fluids which drive generators. It is considered a form of “concentrating” solar energy.
- Challenges: The solar energy component is not expected to be economically competitive for 10 years. Plans for cables to Europe do not yet have financing but meet with the vision of new French president Nicholas Sarkozy of a “Mediterranean Union.”
- Algeria follows other petroleum-rich Middle East nations in beginning to develop renewable energy resources and is being hailed by environmentalists for the welcome change in attitude.

The amount of sun that falls on the small square would power the EU and the amount that falls on the larger square would power the world. Technology is emerging to do so. Help or get out of the way. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Tewfik Hasni: "Our potential in thermal solar power is four times the world's energy consumption so you can have all the ambitions you want with that…"
- Wolfgang Palz, chairman, World Council for Renewable Energy: "Until now all the oil-producing countries under the lead of Saudi Arabia did everything to torpedo renewable energies…"