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South Africa will make its first foray into concentrated solar power when Abengoa’s solar tower and parabolic trough installations come online in 2014. Spanish solar company Abengoa and the South African government’s Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) struck the deal to develop the project taking a 51% and 49% respectively. The IDC’s shareholding includes 29% direct equity and a 20% stake to be held in preference shares for local communities. These CSP installations in South Africa will use technologically superior dry cooling, deploy steam superheating and reduce water consumption by 80%. The deal-clincher was the promise of an economic boost to the remote semi-desert Northern Cape region, and the fact that the plants will easily be connected to the national grid.

Read article on: social.csptoday.com

The concentrating solar power sector kicked off 2O12 with several game-changing innovations. The CSP “Valle 2” in Cadiz, Spain, uses a SENER single tank storage system instead of a two tank storage system reducing storage costs by 25%. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and RWTH Aachen University have come up with a CSP plant design that reduces the amount of building land required whilst increasing the amount of sunlight its mirrors collect. Direct steam generation in parabolic troughs is another game changer being led by Germany’s Solarlite. It uses solar radiation to heat water directly instead of the commonly used thermal oil.

Read article on: social.csptoday.com

The UK National Grid and Scottish Power Transmission have hired engineering giant Siemens and cable supplier Prysmian to build a long-distance 2.2GW high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) undersea cable to connect England and Scotland. The cable will bolster transmission capacity within the UK network, and balance supply and demand as power from major renewable energy developments such as offshore wind farms comes online. It will be the first subsea cable to use a DC voltage level of 600kV thereby cutting the cost of materials used and also curbing transmission losses to less than three percent.

Read article on: rechargenews.com

With the completion of a 165-metre-high receiver tower at the site, the Crescent Dunes solar thermal power plant is one step closer to producing clean energy from the Nevada desert sun. At a capacity of 110 megawatts, the solar thermal plant will provide electricity to up to 75,000 homes. It is also the first commercial-scale solar power facility in the US to fully integrate molten salt energy storage. Once this project and the Ivanpah plant are constructed in 2013, the US will have the two largest solar tower power plants in the world.

Read article on: energymatters.com.au

ABB, the leading power group, has signed an agreement with FG Emvelo, an independent solar power plant company, to develop high-efficiency concentrating solar power plants at Karoshoek Solar Valley in Northern Cape province, South Africa. The plants will use ABB-Novatec technology that reduces the need for land by 40 percent and water consumption by 80 percent.

Read article on: windkraft-journal.de

A new study from SBI Energy forecasts rising demand for CSP in 2012 and the following five years. The “Concentrating Solar Power” study finds that total installed capacity of CSP plants worldwide was 2 gigawatts by the end of 2011 and that a further 2.5 to 3.5 gigawatts under construction or in planning at the end of the year will start delivering in 2012. In recent years, the market has been dominated by photovoltaic-technologies but the study projects that the demand for CSP-plants will rise significantly over the next five years.

Read article on: solarserver.de (only german)

Thailand first ever CSP plant started operation at the end of last year. The 5MW parabolic trough plant can provide 10,000 households with electricity. It is the first of 15 such CSP facilities in Thailand with a combined total output of 135 MW that are slated for construction under Thailand’s regulations for very small power producers which guarantee additional feed-in tariffs for projects with up to 10 MW. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) was highly involved in the development of the plant. The Germany-based Solarlite manufactured and built the parabolic trough power plant and Thai Solar Energy runs the operation.

Read article on: evwind.es

In the desert of Southern Tunisia, a group of renewable energy entrepreneurs, NUR Energie Ltd, and their Tunisian joint venture partner, Top Oilfield Services, are creating what may just be the most ambitious solar power renewable energy project to date. Along with the endorsement of the DESERTEC Foundation, NUR Energie has launched the TuNur project to export solar energy from North Africa to Europe, linking Tunisia to Italy via a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Cable and into the Italian electricity grid in order to supply a constant 2,000 MW of electricity. What is so unique about this project is that it is a true South-North collaboration. The TuNur project will not simply be supplying electricity to Europe, but will also be providing industrial and economic development to the local community. When completed, TuNur is set to be the world's largest solar energy project.

Read article on: huffingtonpost.com

Technology advances are opening up a huge new market for solar power.  High-quality LED systems with a pair of lamps and battery storage for several hours of lighting allow millions of households in Africa and elsewhere to switch from crude and expensive kerosene lamps to cleaner and safer electric lighting. There are approximately 1.3 billion people around the world that don't have access to grid electricity. For these people, solar power costs half as much as lighting their homes with kerosene. Eight19, a British company, is one of several companies offering some type of payment plan to make these solar power systems affordable.

Read article on: technologyreview.com

Spain’s Sener and Abu Dhabi’s Masdar announced a joint venture between to invest up to $5 billion in construction of concentrating solar thermal power plants in Spain, the USA and the Middle East. Called Torresol Energy, it will construct at least one project in Abu Dhabi. Despite recent economic difficulties in most parts of the world, the companies are confident in achieving their goal, as foreign banks are becoming more interested in financing promising solar power projects.

Read article on: evwind.es

Energy storage with batteries is seen as the answer to the variable nature of renewable energy technologies. Moraine Power’s proposed 20-MW facility combines PV with a battery bank of the capacity of 120 MWh to provide on-demand power from solar, wind and hydroelectric resources. Overall, the facility is said to be capable of generating 52,000,000 kWh per year. The project developers of Moraine Power have already secured a buyer for the power; but they are still seeking $200,000 to help get the project off the ground.

Read article on: earthtechling.com

Lebrija, a CSP plant with a total capacity of 50 MW, has been feeding electricity into the grid since 27 December 2011. The plant in Andalucia, Spain, is a joint venture between Siemens and Valoriza and supplies around 30,000 Spanish households with environmentally friendly electricity.

Read article on: solarnovus.com

A new report called "Sunrise in the Desert: Solar Becomes Commercially Viable in the Middle East" claims that photovoltaic electricity is already competitive with fossil fuel-based electricity in the MENA region, especially during peak demand times in the middle of the day. Factors such as the falling cost of solar PV panels, the rising cost of fuels used in conventional power generation and the solar resources’ excellent fit to MENA’s electricity demand patterns challenge the prevailing view among many policy makers and utilities in the region that solar is expensive unless heavily subsidised.

Read article on: pv-magazine.com

Bloomberg New Energy Finance data shows that new solar capacity around the world increased 54 percent to about 28 Gigawatts last year driven by record installations in Germany and Italy. Solar installations grew around the world, driven by crashing panel prices. New spending on solar energy jumped 36 percent to $136.6 billion in 2011 and represented almost half of all renewable energy investment worldwide last year.

Read article on: bloomberg.com

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $30 million loan for the Emerging Energy Latin America Fund II, designed to support the private sector to become a driving force in clean technologies and renewable energy in the region. Latin America and the Caribbean are expected to see their energy demand increase by 75 percent by 2030, and IDB believes that renewable energy could account for half of that total demand.

Read article on: iadb.org

The DESERTEC University Network (DUN) was founded by 19 institutions in October 2010 to share knowledge and accelerate the implementation of the DESERTEC Concept. On the 28^th November 2011, the Savoie University became the first French member of DUN. The agreement was signed by the Executive Director of DUN Mouldi Miled and Gilbert Angenieux, President of the Savoie University.

Read article on: polyech.uni-savoie.fr

Dubai has become the latest Gulf state to unveil ambitious renewable energy plans, setting a goal of providing 1GW of solar capacity by 2020. Precise technical and financial details for the new solar park are still to be confirmed although officials signal that it will contain both photovoltaic and concentrated solar thermal power. The solar park is the latest in a wave of high profile projects being planned for the Middle East and North Africa.

Read article on: businessgreen.com

Saudi Arabia plans to derive 10 per cent of its electrical supply from the sun by 2020 and the kingdom will eventually emerge as the world’s largest source of solar power. The Saudi Government hopes that the country will be able to generate 5 Gigawatts of solar energy by 2020. The government hopes that the kingdom’s nascent solar power industry will create up to 15,000 jobs and is encouraging the development of solar farms, plants for processing of raw materials and assembly, and other related facilities. Investors have already pledged more than $3 billion to fund solar panel component plants in Al Madinah province’s Yanbu port and in Jubail city in the Eastern province. Saudi Arabia receives an average 2,200 thermal kilowatt hours per square meter.

Read article on: evwind.es

Solar Energy from the Desert – what do the Arab Spring, the Fukushima disaster and the fall of DESERTEC supporter Solar Millennium mean for the DESERTEC project’s ambitious plans? Max Schön, Honorary President of the Club of Rome and Board Member of the DESERTEC Foundation, talks about the prospects for renewable energy till 2050.

(German) Read article on: manager-magazin.de

At the start of his three day visit to North Africa, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and his Algerian counterpart Mourad Medelci expressed their determination to strengthen ties in renewable energy. Westerwelle declared that the DESERTEC energy project, “could become a milestone in the cooperation of our region,” and that a German-Algerian economic commission founded specifically to discuss the implementation of the DESERTEC project would meet for the second time early this year.

(German) Read article on: google.com

Dii remains committed to solar thermal power despite the recent announcement from Solar Millennium that the company has filed for insolvency. The industrial initiative is pushing the DESERTEC project to generate clean power in North Africa forward. This project includes the use of photovoltaic and wind power where appropriate. However, the Dii insists that solar thermal power should still play the most important role.

(German) Read article on: welt.de

According to a recently published market guide that examined the financing of solar thermal plants and provides profiles of companies and case studies, the cost of generating CSP electricity can be reduced by up to 30 percent by 2015 and even by more than 50 percent by 2025. CSP is expected to undergo a boom in the next years and decades, which will lead to increasing competitiveness. Experts have long agreed that solar thermal technology will enable the replacement of conventional, fossil fuelled, or nuclear power plants in the long term.

Read article on: evwind.es

The Chinese newspaper, Xinmin News, reported on the DESERTEC Concept and its socioeconomic impacts. The article discussed how the DESERTEC Concept not only supports the creation of employment opportunities, but also serves to strengthen relations between Europe and the Mediterranean region. It also discussed the political challenges of the concept, such as those that arise in discussions about setting up a framework that enables cross-border electricity transportation.

(Chinese) Read article on: xinmin.news365.com.cn

China National Radio has announced that the solar capacity to be installed by 2015 is to reach 15 GW, while wind power is to meet 100 GW. This represents an increase of 50%.

Read article on: ifandp.com

The Guardian conducted an interview with Dr. Gerhard Knies, who studied how the potential of the sun can be used for largescale power supply.  Dr. Knies showed the large potential we stand to gain from solar energy: “within six hours deserts receive more energy from the sun than humankind consumes within a year.” Private sector interest in the DESERTEC Concept has especially grown since Germany‘s decision to terminate the country’s nuclear power after the events in Fukushima.

(French) Read article on: smartplanet.fr

The construction of the first solar thermal power plant in Morocco is now underway, due to financial support from Germany. Morocco’s first solar power plant will have a total capacity of 160 MW. Construction is planned to begin in 2012. The site will be located in Ouarzazate, a city north of the Sahara desert. Integrated storage facilities will allow the plant to generate power up to three hours after dusk. This project will highly influence the bilateral relations between Germany and Morocco.

(German) Read article on: bine.info

The previously disturbed? (use a different word, meaning is unclear) agricultural land in California will serve as a construction site for the 150 MW Rice Solar Energy Project.  The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the construction of transmission line, access road and substation on U.S. public lands. The project will also include molten salt energy storage  such that power can be produced during nighttime or cloudy periods.

Read article on: solarserver.com

According to a new IEA study, one-third of the world’s power demand will be supplied by solar power by 2060. This includes power generated from photovoltaic, concentrating solar power and solar thermal hot water plants. Various assumptions are made in the study in order to see what might be possible in terms of solar deployment, while keeping affordability in sight. Results show that solar energy could take the lead as an energy source, to help in the reduction of CO_² emissions.

Read article on: evwind.es

BrightSource can supersede an entire power plant by using heat storage tanks with molten salt. Thus they only need to build six instead of seven CSP plants at the site in California in order to produce 4 million Megawatt hours per year.

Read article on: cnet.com

The first CSP plant in South East Asia has been inaugurated on November 29th by Yongyuth Wichaidit, Vice Prime Minister in Huaykrachao, Thailand. It is the first parabolictrough CSP plant world wide that uses a highly efficient method that directly evaporates water.

(German) Read article on: wirsol.de

Max Schön, president of the Club of Rome and chairman of the DESERTEC Foundation board talks about the potential of deserts with regards to the global energy supply. Which technologies are crucial? What can logisticians contribute and how can each one of us help to ensure sustainable development? 

(German) Read article on: bvl.de

The German Ministry of Environment has provided a total of 1000 new atlases for schools in Schleswig-Holstein. Furthermore Max Schön and Dr. Juliane Rumpf have handed over a class set of DESERTEC-Atlases to the Ludwig-Erhard school in Kiel. 

(German) Read article on: schleswig-holstein.de

The signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dii and Medgrid on the 24^th of November represents a crucial step in promoting renewable energies. Information exchange, updates on progress and joint evaluation of potential synergies are going to enhance the regulatory framework for renewable energy markets.

Read article on: neurope.eu

"Arab countries no longer have a choice," said Murad Ahmad Al-Fakih from the Organization for Environmental Protection in Yemen. "This isn't about wanting to convert to a green economy or not. They have to do it! We urgently need growth on the one hand and, on the other hand, we have to protect the environment."

Read article on: dw-world.de

Abengoa reported an increase in revenue of 42 % in the first nine months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. Abengoa stated that the increase in revenue in big parts comes from the companies activities in solar thermal 200 MW in Spain and Algeria.

(German) Read article on: solarserver.de

The dependency of gas and oil from countries like Russia and Nigeria are a fact. Therefore, with the implementation of the DESERTEC-Concept would diversify the import countries and reduce Germany’s dependency

(German) Read article on: noz.de

The World Bank today approved $297 million in loans to Morocco to help finance the Ouarzazate Concentrated Solar Power Plant Project, taking a historic step toward realizing one of the first large-scale plants of this kind in North Africa to exploit the region's vast solar energy resources.

Read article on: allafrica.com

Max Schön, member of the German Council for Sustainable Development and co-founder of the DESERTEC Foundation, answers questions about the DESERTEC-Concept and presents the DESERTEC-Atlas.

Read (German) article on: www.nachhaltigkeitsrat.de

The recently published DESERTEC-Atlas shows that DESERTEC is more than just a technical concept. The book gives innovative answers for the challenges of the upcoming decades.

www.desertec.org/atlas

Read (German) article on: www.sonnenseite.com

While the worst-case forecasts published by climate researchers are being outmatched by reality, expectations for the climate conference in Durban, South Africa, are rising. In order to reach the two-degree-goal, we would have to reduce CO² emissions already by 2015. This requires either a renewal of the Kyoto Protocol or setting up a new protocol. However, in both cases hurdles are to be faced, which we can hardly overcome.

Read (German) article on: www.n-tv.de

DESERTEC Director Dr Thiemo Gropp talked in DeutschlandRadio about the DESERTEC Concept and discussed the latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which is not surprising but alarming. Carbon emissions never have been as high as in 2010, and the trend indicates a further increase.

Read (German) article on: www.dradio.de

Renewable Energy professionals from Europe and Egypt took a field trip to Egypt’s first concentrating solar-thermal power plant situated 90 km south of Cairo.

Read article on: www.greenprophet.com

"The sun unites us, wherever we are", were the closing words of Dii Conference chairman Paul van Son. What became clear is that solar and wind energy has gained in importance in the MENA region. An Arab participant put it very clearly by saying: "The topic of renewables has evolved in the Maghreb countries from a nice-to-have issue to a must-have-issue."

Read article on: www.solarnovus.com

DESERTEC, the world's most ambitious solar power project, is to start building its first power plant next year, a 500 megawatt (MW) facility in Morocco costing up to 2 billion euros ($2.8 billion). The first phase of the 12-square-kilometre Moroccan complex will be a 150 MW facility costing up to 600 million euros that will take two to four years to build.

Read article on: www.reuters.com

[Translated from German article] Morocco is focusing on wind and solar energy to reduce energy imports and to create new jobs. Building the world’s largest solar power plants at five different locations will establish Morocco’s vanguard position in renewable energy. In 2020, solar power plants are expected to produce 2,000 megawatt of electricity and cover 14 percent of the countries power consumption. In addition, large wind farms will help to achieve Morocco’s plan to produce 42 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2020 and reduce the cost of importing energy by 500 million dollar per year. In May 2010, HRH King Mohammed VI opened a pilot plant in Béni Mathar producing 20 MW of energy. In summer 2012 the construction of the first large solar power plant will start in Quarzazate, Morroco, south of Rabat. It is expected to produce 500 MW by 2015.

Read (German) article on: www.dw-world.de

[Translated from Chinese article] According to the predictions of the IEA the annual optical thermal power generation will reach 3.0-3.6% of the total installed capacity by 2030. Assuming that the cumulative installed capacity in 2030 is 6.2TW, CSP would have an installed capacity of about 200GW. According to the IEA the construction costs would be around $ 2,500 / KW. It can be said that “a trillion US-$ industry is taking shape”. China will encourage solar thermal technology the projects, however existing projects are still in an early stage. Solar thermal power generation has been included in the "Guiding Catalogue of Industrial Structure Adjustment - 2011 edition." Experts predict the years 2011-2015 mainly for technical validation, the early commercialization stage in 2015 – 2020 and the large-scale commercial construction phase beginning in 2020. Through rapid development it is expected that the cost can be reduced to 10,000 Yuan / KW.

Read article (Google translation) on: stock.sohu.com

[Translated from French article] With the investment of 15 billion euros Algeria is giving renewable energy a greater role in the program of power generation between 2011 and 2021 seeking to generate 40% of its energy production from renewable sources. After Morocco and its solar plan, which Eric Besson, France, granting a budget of 100.3 million euros, it was the turn of Algeria to connect to renewable energy. "By 2030, about 40% of the production of electricity for domestic consumption is from renewable sources," says Nordine Bouterfa, CEO of the public electricity and gas company, Sonelgaz. Already in July, the country has started to prepare the "post-oil" era, when he inaugurated the first power plant hybrid solar-gas in the world, with a capacity of 150 megawatts.

Read (French) article on: www.usinenouvelle.com

Read (French) article on: www.letempsdz.com

[Translated from German article] A number of operators, among them Amprion, 50Hertz Transmission and EnBW, are planning the construction of 3 power lines. The latter will enable the flow of wind and solar electricity throughout Germany. However, this project could take up to one decade, because of the authorization process. It is being considered to use high voltage direct current (HVDC), which are already planned to be deployed in a DESERTEC-Project for a solar power plant in North Africa. Admittedly, their use has been scarce in Europe so far. Moreover, first feasibility studies have been set, which should identify the best layout of the lines, the exact costs as well as the best technology. As for mid 2012 the operators have to provide a plan for the development of the grid, which will then be updated annually. The laying of underground cables as opposed to overhead circuits, offers smaller space consumption and considerably less civil protests, but costs up to 6 times more. Another option would be to install the cables on existing power poles, which would not only save a large amount of costs, but also reduce civil protests against new constructions.

Read (German) article on www.welt.de

[Translated from German article] Three month after its start, the production in Egypt’s first solar thermal power plant in Kuraymat, 100 kilometres south of Cairo, is considerably above expectations. The hybrid power plant with a total output of 150 MW is using solar and natural gas to run 24 hours. The solar field with 130.000 sqm in parabolic trough technology was developed by Solar Millennium Group and produces nearly 8% more energy than expected. The construction and installation has been realized in cooperation with the Egyptian general contractor Orascom Construction Industries. Dr. Christoph Wolff, CEO of Solar Millennium AG, said: „Kuraymat proves the capability of our solar thermal technology. The power plant also impressively shows that the vision of DESERTEC can be realized and clean power production can create local jobs.” „The cooperation with our Egyptian partner Orascom was very successful and is the basis for further cooperation in the region. At the moment we tender together with Orascom for the first solar thermal power plant in Morocco“, said Klaas Rühmann, project manager in Kuraymat.

Read (German) article on www.solarserver.de

[Translated from German article] As yet only three percent of Europe’s electricity is transported over borders. Siemens is now seeking to upgrade Europe's power grid, for example in Mallorca. Soon the island will be connected with Spanish mainland by a 247 km long power line. By the end of this year the electricity from the mainland will not only reduce power blackouts on the island. It will also reduce the emission of CO2 by 50%, as the electricity in mainland Spain, in contrast to Mallorca, already comes to 35% from wind and sun energy. According to the European Commission 10% of Europe’s electricity should soon be transported over borders to adjust and complement the energy mix within Europe.

Read article on www.tagesspiegel.de

Siemens Energy and Sun To Market Solutions are developing a new full-scope integrated test, commissioning and training simulator for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, the SPPA-S3000. This virtual plant will help to train the personnel and can help to reduce operating errors, as fast changing weather conditions can be huge challenge for the personal. The simulation provides a functional replica of a control system used in the CSP plant and covers the technological process simulation for a solar field and a thermal storage system.

Read article on www.solarnovus.com

[Translated from German article] EU-Commissioner Günther Oettinger presented a plan which aims to create a greater voice of his commission when it comes to energy agreements of the EU member states. Among other things, Brussels wants to speak for all member states when it comes to infrastructure projects between EU countries and third countries, for example in cases such as DESERTEC.

Read (German) article on www.badische-zeitung.de

[Translated from German article] After the Arab Spring in some North African countries, people there are seeking new perspectives. Further economic development and new jobs through investments in a clean energy future, as prospected in the DESERTEC Concept, could facilitate the stability needed for a successful political restart. To meet the increasing demand for energy within the Maghreb region, electricity from new solar power plants will first be consumed within the countries themselves. A 500 MW pilot project in Ouarzazate (Morocco) shall demonstrate the feasibility of the concept as well as the possibility to export a proportion of the solar power to Europe

Read (German) article on www.zeit.de

[Translated from German article] The 46th International Universities’ Power Engineering Conference (UPEC), in which young electrical engineering scientists will follow up topics from the field of energy and especially renewables, has started in Soest on September 6th. Scientist from all over the world will contribute through their presentations covering for example smart grids, high-voltage direct current or quality and security. Dr. Max Voß, member of the research and development section at RWE AG, holds his speech on the DESERTEC Concept.

Read (German) article on www.idw-online.de

[Translated from German article] According to the press, Greece is intending to implement a proposal of the German Minister of Finance Wolfgang Schäuble, which aims to create an export business in the field of photovoltaics in order to fight Greek’s debt crisis. If these investments are also used for a grid extension towards neighbouring countries, this, from the perspective of the DESERTEC Foundation, would be a great benefit for the implementation of the DESERTEC Concept in the Mediterranean.

Read (German) article on www.solarserver.de

[Translated from German article] The US company NextEra Energy Resources LLC has announced that the financing of the “Genesis Solar Project” with a capacity of 250 MW has been completed by one of its subsidies. A loan guarantee for this concentrating solar-thermal power plant, which will be installed in the Californian district Riverside, was approved by the US Department of Energy.

Read (German) article on www.solarserver.de

[Translated from German article] Günther Oettinger, EU-commissioner for Energy, emphasized at the Energy Congress of the Hessian CDU that now, after the planned shutdown of the atomic power plants, the energy supply needs to be restructured. 48 percent of the price for electricity is controlled by politics and it is foreseeable that bigger companies could transfer their production from Germany to countries with cheaper electricity. According to EU-commissioner Oettinger it is not feasible to further subsidies photovoltaic due to the low sun hours within Germany. While a partnership with North African countries would be more beneficial and would further support their democratic movements. In the long run electricity could be partially exported through a Pan-European power grid. Professor Michael Düren, founding-member of the DESERTEC Foundation, could envision an „electricity superhighway from Algeria to Norway”. Professor Volker Wittwer, from the Fraunhofer-Institut for Solar Energy Systems, pointed out that the vast resources, which Germany spend on oil, coil and gas, could alternatively finance new developments in the field of renewable energies.

Read (German) article on www.wiesbadener-tagblatt.de

[Translated from German article] The realisation of the DESERTEC Concept gains support of the University Campus of Flensburg, among others, at the WEREEMa-Project (Wind energy, renewable energies and energy efficiency in Morocco) which started mid this year. On initiative of the Ministry of Environment and Agriculture Schleswig-Holstein, a team with the Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein, the DESERTEC Foundation, the research network CeWind (Campus Flensburg), the Biomass Center of Excellence Kiel and the Moroccan Energy Agency (ADEREE) was formed. Morocco is very much suitable to become a partner, and a paradigm, for the first implementation of the DESERTEC Concept due to its geographical and political conditions. This is also because the Moroccan government plans to reach a proportion of 42% of renewable energy by 2020. Flensburg University supports the academic and technical education of Moroccan professionals, for example through the accreditation of master degree courses. Additionally, model projects will be initiated and universities will be equipped with laboratories.

Read (German) article on www.shz.de

The total investment into renewable energy production in Africa is expected to reach US$57.72 billion by 2020 from just US$3.6 billion in 2010, growth consultancy Frost & Sullivan said on Wednesday. Although Africa is endowed with fossil and renewable energy resources, the continent remained the most poorly electrified continent in the world. The proportion of people without electricity in Africa is higher than anywhere else on the planet, with as high as 95% of the population. New investments into the continent's electricity infrastructure are also likely to incorporate new technologies and standards. Solar power will show good growth; this will mostly be through SA's Upington solar project and renewed interest in DESERTEC in north Africa.

Read article on www.iol.co.za

While CSP is known to have great potential for tomorrow’s energy supply, it has received less attention than solar PV, thus not enjoying the rapid cost reduction as PV did in the recent years. Brightsource Energy, a major player in CSP, has now developed two central improvements in an Australian power plant that are out to make CSP cost competitive with PV by 2014/15. One is a taller tower design that allows putting more heliostats on a smaller area, reducing the space and doubling the output compared to older designs. Additionally, Brightsource adds molten salt storage to its new plant design. Different to the Gemasolar design that can deliver electricity 24/7, here the storage option is directed mainly at times of peak demand, making the power plant more economic. Besides technological advances, many states have recognized CSP’s potential and have started supporting its implementation. Australia, for example, recently started a flagship program to foster the industry. 

Read article on www.climatespectator.com.au

The losers of the nuclear phase-out in Germany are found: It is the four energy giants that have previously pretty much controlled the energy market in the fourth largest economy of the world. Three out of four are deep in the red, Eon announced laying off up to eleven thousand workers. While a shock to the employees, the heavy losses should be the sign for the companies to use the chance to become agents of the energy transition that is underway. Complex as the challenge is, their Know-how and capital will be dearly needed. It is legitimate for them to inquire if they have a right to compensation for their now useless plants, just as they now have to accept that the paradigms of energy production have changed. A wide array of technologies will begin to replace the centralized, large-scale coal and nuclear power plants: Roof-top PV and small hydro will play a role just as solar energy from DESERTEC and offshore wind.

Read (German) article on www.ftd.de

General Electric Co. has announced to enter the market of solar thermal power production with an investment of up to $40 million in eSolar. It is the fourth big player to join the game of solar thermal after Alstom, backer of Brightsource Energy Inc., Areva SA owning Ausra Inc., and Siemens which bought Solel in 2009. While the investment of GE is relatively minor, it once more backs up the credibility of the technologies to become a crucial source of renewable energy production in the future. Also within the sector, prices and characteristic of technologies vary significantly, but as an investor in Brightsource Energy said, going for the cheapest technology is not necessary the better choice; it is still open which will win the market.

Read article on blogs.wsj.com

The German federal government plans to invest 3,5 Billion Euro into research and development of renewable energies (RE), thereby expanding Germany’s global leadership position in RE technologies and guaranteeing a stable energy supply for the nuclear-free future of the country. Focal points are for example energy storage and grids, as they are fundamental to increase the proportion of the inherently volatile RE in the energy mix – As had been recognized early in the DESERTEC Concept. The government envisions that German companies are going to be the back bone of the new developments. International projects and cooperation like in the case of DESERTEC are becoming increasingly important in this context.

Read (German) article on www.bundesregierung.de

Built by the German company Solarlite GmbH, the 5 MW parabolic trough solar power plant will be the first CSP plant in Asia and the first of its kind to use only water instead of thermal oil as a heat carrier. Thereby it is “completely environmentally friendly”, as Joachim Krueger, founder of Solarlite, emphasizes. The Asian Development Bank sees Asia’s future in solar energy, and Thailand was the forerunner in the region to pronounce a target for solar energy production. Having installed a feed-in Tariff for solar energy, the industry is booming. Hopes are high for CSP, as the surplus heat can be used to run air conditioning or desalinate sea water. Additional to being 30 per cent more effective with the same installed capacity than PV and delivering stable energy, this makes CSP an ideal technology for hot and arid regions.

Read article on www.newcomers-network.de

The government of South Africa has opened bidding for new renewable energy projects to meet its set target of 3.8 GW of new capacity in the next five years. Of this, up to 42 per cent are planned to be from renewable sources including onshore wind, solar thermal, solar photovoltaic, biomass, biogas, landfill gas and small hydro power. While the ambitious plans are applauded by international voices, experts criticize that a planned feed-in tariff that the bidding process replaces would have been the better solution: now, bids will have to entail a security payment and will need to remain on the table for 300 days, increasing the financial risks for the investors. This, some warn, could substantially obstruct the achievement of the goals.

Read article on www.environmental-finance.com

Bill Gates told Wired magazine recently that regarding solar power, “if you’re really interested in the energy problem, it’s those big things in the desert”. Others see solar power as a chance to break our current system of centralized energy production with rooftop solar production. While the latter is seen to empower people, the integration and stable supply is very difficult. Plus, roof-top solar power is essentially restricted to wealthy home owners. Utility-scale concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are the cheaper and more reliable alternative. As a third way, a bill propos in California envisions that anybody can buy shares in local renewable energy utilities, owning and earning with their shares. Could this be true renewable energy democratization?

Read article on www.newsreview.com

As announced by Algerian Minister of Energy and Mines, Youcef Yousfi, before the Nationa People’s Congress, the country has great interest in DESERTEC, with who negotiations will start within the next few weeks. He emphasized that in order to reach the ambitious plan to “produce 22.000 MW in new and renewable energy by 2030”, cooperation with multiple parties will be fostered – especially in solar. But also the nuclear option may have to be explored: If no significant action is taken swiftly, Algeria simply has no alternative, as he asserts. Further, he answered questions regarding environmental and safety concerns regarding the issue. A partnership agreement with Europe being underway, he underlined the importance of technology transfer and fair cooperation and the ability of an open and transparent European electricity market.

Read article on http://economicsnewspaper.com

In an outline of the German new energy architecture, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle, identified DESERTEC as one part of Germany’s sustainable energy supply. Emphasizing that the nuclear phaseout is the result of long political debate and merely triggered by the fukushima catastrophe, he reaffirmed the government’s aim to reach the EU goal to reduce carbon emissions by 20% until 2020, and Germany’s own commitment of even 40%. Towards this goal, the focus will lie on increasing efficiency, the proportion of renewable energies and an expansion of the electricity grid. Westerwelle and the German government give DESERTEC their explicit support in this matter. The special energy cooperation between Germany and India is high-lighted that helps sharing know-how and realizing potential.

Read article on www.german-info.com

It seems that German Finance Minister Schäuble’s commentary, Greece should export electricity from concentrating solar power (CSP) to Europe to reduce its debt, was no accident: After recent contacts with Greek Minister for Development Michalis Chrysohoidis, Schäuble announced there will emerge a detailed proposal about an export agreement and the construction of further solar power plant capacity until the end of 2011. Germany, one major global player in solar energy technology, is especially interests in “clean” energy imports after the nuclear phase-out, while Greece could harness its solar potential for its industrial recovery. In that light, Greece already approached the European Commission to establish a joint working group that shall unearth the economic potential of solar power in Greece.

Read (Greek) article on www.express.gr

he idea has come a long way, through technical studies by accredited institutes like the German DLR as well as practical realization of power plants and political support. Recently, the University of Technology of Dresden joined the DESERTEC University Network, with members from MENA states and Europe. Director Hans Müller-Steinhagen supports DESERTEC, emphasizing its potential for development: It combines social, political and economic dimensions and is aimed to foremost benefit the people from MENA, supporting their economic development. Some raise concerns that DESERTEC means centralized energy supply and doubt it is doable. However, DESERTEC combines centralized and decentralized renewable energy sources, and numerous technological studies have proven its feasibility and the advantages of concentrating solar thermal power. What remains, then is to channel the political will to realize the potential of DESERTEC for a secure, sustainable energy supply for humankind.

Read (German) article on www.zeit.de

On 28 July, a webinar will be held discussing the advantages and drawbacks of Concentrating Solar-thermal Power (CSP) and Photovoltaics (PV). Three key industry figures will hold the the 45 minutes interactive session including Q & A. Registration is free until 27 July.

Read more and register on www. www.environmental-expert.com

The Concentrating Solar-thermal Power (CSP) plant, scheduled to go on line in October 2011, completed its first test phase after successfully generating steam by aligning its parabolic mirrors with the sun. The 50 MW plant's molten salt storage tanks will be finished and its turbines synchronized in August, from whereon it will be able to generate its installed capacity almost around the clock: Thanks to the storage system, Andasol 3 - like Andasol 1 and 2 - can produce electricity for up to 8 hours of cloud over or night time. RWE, owner of the Andasol power plants, considers adding another 50 MW of CSP at the site and 100 MW in southern Europe in total.

Read article on www.utilityweek.co.uk

After Germany and France, Spain joins the European countries that intensify their cooperation with Algeria to harness the country's abundant solar resources. Algeria expects to reap benefits in the form of massive foreign investment, revenues from export, local value added and significant knowledge transfer of German technology. All this will foster Algeria's industrial development at a time when its hydrocarbon deposits are declining. It is the hope of all partners to develop stronger mutual interdependencies, strengthening their partnership.

Read (French) article on http://portail.cder.dz

More than 300 participants from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East joined Dii’s first Annual Conference – “Energy from the deserts” on 26th and 27th of October 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. The large number of government representatives from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia reflected the growing partnership between North Africa and Europe. The speeches and presentations are online by now on Dii's website. 

Read article on www. istockanalyst.com

Amidst recent warnings that Germany could experience blackouts in peak times, the question stands how realistic these scenarios are. For example, Energy supplier RWE recently warned that in order to avoid a total blackout, it might be necessary to take whole regions in southern Germany from the grid during peak times. The German federal grid agency also hinted at potential insufficiencies in the energy supply. Critics point out that these statements are based on dubious calculations and that the electricity companies do not allow sufficient access to their data to allow for a transparent analysis. The Fraunhofer Institute for solar energy systems and Klaus Töpfer, former director of UNEP, think a 100 per cent renewable energy supply possible. Energy imports from projects like DESERTEC would play a central role in this case. What remains is that instead of scare tactics, what would really help would be a constructive debate.

Read (German) article on www.news.de

German parliamentary state secretary at the federal Environmental Ministry, Katherina Reiche, was keynote speaker at the Intersolar North America fair in San Francisco. She used the opportunity to assert: "Germany, the USA and California face the same challenges in energy policy - both must modernize their energy systems and improve their efficiency. The German Energy Concept and the Californian Renewable Energy Bill offer excellent opportunities to intensify the cooperation between Germany and California". Reiche travels before the background of the German federal government's initiative "Transatlantic Climate bridge (Transatlantische Klimabrücke)".

Read (German) article on www.bmu.de

Coal and nuclear, heavily subsidized, have been the cheap, reliable backbone of our energy supply providing the "base load" of electricity which we need 24/7. Why we need to rid ourselves of the myth of the necessity of a fossil base load is explained very well in this editorial. Renewable energies, while volatile, are predictable and will provide a larger part of our energy supply in the future - but coal and nuclear power are too slow to react to changes in supply, while becoming ever more expensive. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) and (Bio)gas plants are able to fill this gap, providing stable yet flexible, clean energy for a secure and safe electricity grid.

Read article on www.kentucky.com

A Bloomberg New Energy Finance report says Europe should designate more resources to promote and develop sustainable technologies to not be left behind in the race for market leadership. While green investment boomed by one-third last year, to $211bn globally, a quarter came from China alone and developing countries surpassed developed countries' total investment for the first time. In response, Europe's climate chief Connie Hedegaard called for at least 20% of the EU's budget to be allocated for climate related spending.

Read article on www.guardian.co.uk

After the catastrophical accident in the Fukushima atomic power plant, People in Germany flock to prodviders of electricity from renewable sources. All four independent providers report an increase of up to 700 per cent of new customers in the last months. The largest provider, Lichtblick, already provides 530 000 households with green electricity, as already before the nuclear catastrophy many people in Germany turned their backs on nuclear- and fossil energy.

Read (German) article on www.focus.de

French Minister of Industry Eric Besson is travelling to Tunisia and Morocco for the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Pact, which is underpinned by the implementation of the Mediterranean Solar Plan: Its goal is to install 20GW of renewable electricity in Northern Africa by 2020, from which 5GW shall be exported to Europe. The program is related to the projects Medgrid - planning to invest €5 to 6 bn in electricity transmission infrastructure - and DESERTEC, which allots €400bn to supply all Northern Africa and Middle East with electricity, and constitute 15% of Europe's energy mix, by 2050. As for the Arab Spring movement that shakes the region currently, André Merlin, executive chairman of Medgrid, does not see issues with the overall deadlines of the projects.

Read (French) article on www.lefigaro.fr

According to a survey by Union Investment, more and more investors put bigger emphasis on ecological sustainability in their investments. Especially young people are interested in sustainable investments - and while overall acceptance has risen by eight per cent over the last year, the main priority of these shareholders has shifted from social- to ecological sustainability.

Read (German) article on www.finanznachrichten.de

The world's first concentrating solar (CSP) power plant capable of delivering 24/7 baseload electricity went online last week. Located in Fuentes de Andalucía (Seville), the Gemasolar plant is property of Torresol Energy, a joint venture between Masdar — Abu Dhabi’s clean-energy initiative — and SENER, a Spanish engineering and construction company. Due to a molten salt heat storage system it can operate for up to 15 hours without solar radiation, putting away with most other renewable energies' inherent problem: The fluctuating supply of energy. Due to the heat storage, however, the CSP plant is expected to run on full load most days of the Spanish summer at high efficiency, provide a higher annual capacity factor than even most conventional baseload plants - such as nuclear energy.

Read article on www.greenbang.com

In an editorial article on Welt.de, the author laments parallels between the current debate accompanying the transition to renewable energies and the way nuclear energy was heralded when it was introduced in the 1950’s. On the one hand, speeches by politicians create an “energy transition frenzy” that suffocates sensible discussions. On the other hand, it both portrays arguments of our predecessors – people on whose actions we built today’s society – as foolish, and blanks out critical questions and alternatives. Along these lines it is remarkable that DESERTEC, a project that combines technical innovation with international cooperation and economic benefits in a realistic vision how to switch to renewable energies, has received only little attention in recent weeks.

Read (German) article on www.welt.de

Importing solar energy from Greece, as proposed by German Minister Schäuble, is a step in the right direction but cannot substitute clean power from deserts. For one, there are more winter months with little sun in Southern Europe than south of the Mediterranean Sea. On top of that though, there is more about DESERTEC than the mere production of electricity.

read article

On Tuesday the 28th of June 2011 the first conference of the DESERTEC University Network (DUN), which was founded together with the DESERTEC Foundation and around 20 universities and research facilities from North Africa, the Middle East and Europe, was held in Wuppertal. The purpose of DUN is to advance knowledge transfer and scientific cooperation around the DESERTEC Concept worldwide. The strengthening of research and teaching in the field of renewable energies in the MENA region is supposed to offer chances and economic perspectives, especially to the younger generation in those countries and therefore helping to stabilize them. On the 1st of July the Dresden University of Technology, as first public German university, will join the DESERTEC University Network. For the director of the Dresden University of Technology, Prof. Hans Müller-Steinhagen, DESERTEC is something very special: "It is so far the most important project for a sustainable energy supply for the world. From it´s size it is comparable with NASA´s mission to conquer the moon. For the Dresden University of Technology joining DUN is a unique chance to increase cooperation with the local universities and to build competence together."

read (german) article on: www.idw-online.de

In a newly published study, google.org, Google's philanthropic branch, demonstrates how much economic benefits it could trigger to move more decisively into clean energy. "Our model found a mere five-year delay (2010-2015) in accelerating technology innovation led to $2.3 trillion to $3.2 trillion in unrealized GDP, an aggregate 1.2-1.4 million net unrealized jobs, and 8-28 more gigatons of potential GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 2050," wrote Google's green energy czar Bill Weihl and Charles Baron from Google.org's Clean Energy Team. The analysis is based on economic models from consultant McKinsey and models 14 scenarios, combining policy, technology and economic factors. Although the authors of the study acknowledge some drawbacks with their rather simple economic analysis and some technological issues (for example, energy storage is based largely on Lithium-Ion batteries), their study shows impressively just how much our economic well-being may depend on decisive support for "green" innovation.

Read article on www.news.cnet.com

The German Helmholtz Association and the United States’ National Renewable Energy Laboratory have signed an agreement to collaborate on R&D of solar technologies. Plans are to search for more efficient materials to be used in the next generation of solar thin-film arrays, find the potentials of wide band-gap thin-film solar cells and stress-test new cells. They will also focus on the creation of new devices and low-cost catalysts for the production of hydrogen through photocatalytic process to come up with solar fuels.The work on mirrors for concentrating solar power plants previously carried out will be further extended in the latest agreement.

Read article on www.ecoseed.org

According to an Ernst & Young survey carried out at the 2011 World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi, as many as 65 per cent of MENA executive expect an increase in regional cleantech investments over the next five years. However, despite the optimism for the sector, many felt that lacking government support was the most significant hurdle to the regional development of renewable energy. Key drivers of new cleantech investment in the region were found to be government policy, responses to climate change, water scarcity and solar irradiation. For the Arab countries, projects like DESERTEC are seen as opportunity to reduce the countries’ large carbon footprint per capita – while for their less developed neighbours they offer a clean way to industrialize. You can watch it online for no cost.

Read article on http://gulfnews.com

The German Aerospace Center (DLR) bundles its globally unrivalled 30-year expertise in Concentrating Solar-thermal Power (CSP) in a new institute for solar research in Cologne. Additionally, the research solar tower in Jülich, which the DLR has been running successfully for years, will be expanded to become a major research facility. The state Nordrhein-Westfalen provides €27 Million for this purpose. With these measures the DLR aims at speeding up its innovation cycles, moving faster from basic research to building pilot projects. Ultimately this is expected to increase the pace of changing to renewable energies, especially for economies in transition that have high solar radiation – such as the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) states, where DESERTEC will use CSP to harness the solar potential.

Read (German) article on www.solarserver.de

DESERTEC wants to tap the abundant solar resources in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Here, the solar potential is two to three times higher than in central Europe, making investments into solar power much more lucrative. Not only could the project help substitute fossil energy sources, thus fighting climate change. It also has great potential to help industrialize the MENA states, as DESERTEC chairman Gerhard Knies emphasizes. Others point out that DESERTEC is still a vision, and its benefits for MENA will depend on how exactly the projects will be realized.

Read Article on: www.nytimes.com

Siemens Energy has bought into the American CleanTech start-up Semprius with 16 per cent. Semprius produces high performance concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) modules which are especially suitable to sunny, dry climates. By channelling sun light through lenses, CPV reach an efficiency of 40 per cent; having been thoroughly field tested the modules are claimed to be very cost-effective and easily scalable. With this, Siemens may have secured an important technology for the DESERTEC project, closing a technological gap to the large-scale concentrating solar-thermal power technology.

Read (German) Article on: www.cleanthinking.de

The Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (MASEN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with the French companies Soitec and Schneider Electric. Soitec is a leading producer of Concentrator Photovoltaic (CPV), which is especially well suited to regions with high direct solar radiation. The agreement centres on two pilot projects with peak output of 5 MW each. Other central points are to set up local supply chains and ensure knowledge transfer and training by Soitec: Throug this MASEN hopes to strengthen its own solar industry. This will be the first utility-scale solar project developed under the Mediterranean Solar Plan (MSP) and one of the first tangible realizations of the DESERTEC concept. In the long-run it aims to provide 15% of Europe’s electricity through imported Solar energy, especially Concentrated Solar-thermal Power (CSP).

Read article on www.optics.org

It’s not only environmental activists who have been cheered up by Germany, Switzerland and Italy’s recent decisions to abandon nuclear power in future. The sustainable energy sector is also excited by the possibilities. Paul van Son, Dutch CEO of Dii, is enthusiastic about the nuclear climb-down: “These decisions are good news for DESERTEC since they will result in an increased demand for sustainable energy. In the long-term sustainable energy will be all there is. Nuclear energy is unacceptable and fossil fuels will be exhausted. All the indications are unmistakable: the future will be about sustainable energy.“

Read Article on: www.rnw.nl

Leading analysts have been conducting a debate on the feasibility of an Egyptian nuclear energy program. The debate has pitted government supporters of a major nuclear drive against environmentalists who argue that Egypt would be better served by a solar energy program. On June 9, Cairo hosted a seminar that marked a rare discussion of Egypt's nuclear energy program. The seminar took place amid plans by the new military regime to accelerate the acquisition of up to 11 nuclear power plants. Environmental analysts said Egypt could generate more power through solar energy than through a multi-billion-dollar nuclear program. Instead Egypt should participate in an EU-supported program designed to form a network of solar stations. Under the effort, called DESERTEC, the Middle East and North Africa would produce energy through solar farms and supply the power to Europe as well.

Read Article on: www.worldtribune.com

Dr Thiemo Gropp agrees with the plans of the German government to phase-out nuclear power until 2022 but demands more action towards a transition to renewables. For the future he expects a trend towards more decentralization. He emphasizes the importance of projects like DESERTEC with holistic approaches that consider energy security as well as socio-economic effects and benefits for climate protection, fresh water and food production. He also emphasizes the need for cooperation between economic and political actors and sees great potential for positive effects for the Middle-Eastern and North African states. Especially due to the current change of the mindset in these countries towards democracy he sees great potential for a positive cooperation with Europe.

Read (German) Interview on: www.planet-interview.de

The formal agreement, signed in the presence of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, covers the development of export markets in Europe for Moroccan renewable power via subsea cables. While it remains unclear if the Moroccan government will take higher financial stakes in DESERTEC, the agreement will likely increase the Moroccans' influence over the project. Dii spokesperson Klaus Schmidke says that “Ultimately it depends on the Moroccan side and Masen as to whether there’s a connection with us and their solar plan”. He also confirms negotiations about siting of a second reference project with Egypt, Algeria and Tunesia.

Read article on: www.rechargenews.com

A study from the Fraunhofer institute shows that the realization of the DESERTEC Concept may have a massive impact on the economic developement in the MENA region. According to the outcome of the study, the local value creation of CSP plants can reach up to 60% in the MENA region. Christoph Kost, head of the Fraunhofer ISE study, calculates the effect of local value creation in the region at $14.3 billion if sustainable long-term demand is created. 60,000 to 80,000 new jobs, some high-qualified, could be created by 2025.

Read Article on: www.isi.fraunhofer.de

The Jacobs University of Bremen has appointed Prof. Dr. Karen Smith Stegen to the newly created "Kaefer Chair for Renewable Energy and Environmental Politics". Thus the Jacob University strengthens its long-term commitment in the field of renewable energies and environmental policies. One focus of the professorship is the participation in the DESERTEC project in the field of research and education. Inter alia, a new Master's programme shall qualify experts for the construction and maintenance of clean energy systems at desert locations. Since 2010 the Jacobs University is member of the DESERTEC University Network, which wants to accelerate the realization of DESERTEC by international cooperation of scientific and research institutions.

Read (German) article on: www.jacobs-university.de

Read (German) article on: www.dw-world.de

Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, talks about Europe's energy future in an interview with the newspaper "Südkurier". He emphasizes the importance of the DESERTEC project and explains why he isn't concerned about a new, alleged dependence on the North African electricity exporters. “These countries have an interest in the electricity production that ensures their income. The electricity is not only supposed to flow to Europe but also into the African market. We have to commit ourselves in the region politically, economically and financially.”

Read (German) Interview on: www.suedkurier.de

Read article on: thedailynewsegypt.com

Read (German) article on: nachrichten.rp-online.de

At the opening of the Kronberger talks in Rabat, the German Foreign Minister Dr. Guido Westerwelle declared himself in favor of an "euro-mediterranean energy cooperation" as he spoke in front of decision makers from both North Africa and Europe. He referred to the existing close and successful renewable energy cooperation between Germany and Morocco as a model for a more intesive cooperation across the Mediterranean. According to Westerwelle, constant and clean energy are key to infrastructure and healthy growth and thereby a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Read (German) speech on: www.pressrelations.de

Interviewed by the Suisse newsportal "20 Minuten online“, the director of the DESERTEC Foundation Dr. Thiemo Gropp talks about the DESERTEC Concept and which role the democratization process in North-Africa plays for it. “In the longer term we see the democratization as an opportunity that the introduction of renewable energies will preeced faster. Eventually this will result in good opportunities for national development and more prosperity.”

Read (German) interview on: www.20min.ch

On the occassion of the 4th International Conference "Electrical Interconnection of the Caribbean" from the 5th-6th May 2011 in Puerto Rico, Brian Schmidly, DESERTEC Coordinator for Mexico, presented the DESERTEC Concept as a vision for a clean and sustainable electricity generation in deserts worldwide. He mentioned the challenges and how they are met by the DESERTEC Foundation's activities.

Watch video presentation (starting at minute 9:30) on: http://livestre.am

Read article on: www.greenprophet.com

In Spain, the financing of the world's largest Linear Fresnel solar-thermal power plant, Puerto Errado 2 (PE2) is secured. A consortium of European banks has realized a joint project finance. With this form of financing the marketability of the Linear Fresnel technology is emphasized. The plant should be completed according to plan by March 2012 and then generates approximately 50 million kWh of electricity per year.

Read (German) article on: www.pressebox.de

The DESERTEC concept contains more than a clean and sustainable solution for our energy problems. It is especially aiming at supporting instable regions in their economic development and therefore enables peace, wealth and stability, as Stephan Krüger of the DESERTEC Foundation explains in the interview.

Read (German) interview on: www.nordbayern.de

By now there are many reliable empirical values concerning power transmission with high-voltage direct current (HVDC). In China, for example, are transmission lines with capacities of several thousand megawatt operating and several more planned. Also for Europe, the technology is well proven and at the moment, lines between Spain and France are under construction. Especially its very low losses of only 3% per 1000km let HVDC stand out in comparison to alternating current. In addition, one huge advantage is the possibility to install the lines as underground/sealines, to increase acceptance for the grid projects in the population.

Read (German) article on: www.innovations-report.de

Information (German) about the technology on: www.siemens.com

The American solar company BrightSource Energy has posted a request for initial public offering. By going public, the company expects $250 million additional funds. Currently BrightSource Energy wants to realize the solar project "Ivanpah Solar Energy Generating System" in the Mojave desert where three connected solar-thermal power plants shall be formed.

Read (German) article on: www.iwr.de

The fascinating DESERTEC vision is developing appeal in Austria. End of March, the Salzburg chamber of commerce has organized a workshop with around 80 interested participants. Among others Max Schön, chairman of the supervisory board of the DESERTEC Foundation and the coordinator for Austria took part. Hierzer wants to help establishing DESERTEC in Austria and develop economic opportunities for companies through enterprise platform services.

Read (German) article and/or watch video on: http://portal.wko.at

Despite the recent unrest in North Africa, the construction of solar-thermal power plants is making progress. The first tender for a solar power plant in Morocco will be carried out at the end of 2012. Probably by 2015 the construction of the plant can begin. Morocco could be followed by Tunisia. So representatives of the Dii GmbH have auditioned with various ministries of the local interim government past week.

Read (German) article on: http://science.orf.at

After Morocco, where the first reference power plant of North Africa is in planning, DESERTEC should now be intensified specifically in Tunisia. For this purpose, the Dii GmbH in cooperation with the Tunisian state energy company STEG started work on a feasibility study for the construction of solar thermal power plants and wind energy projects. In addition, the Dii GmbH wants to open an office in Tunis to accelerate the implementation of DESERTEC through close cooperation with the Tunisian government.

Read (German) article on: www.sueddeutsche.de

Günter Gloser, member of the SPD parliamentary group, said in an interview with Young Germany, why he supports the DESERTEC project."DESERTEC can be a great opportunity for the Southern Mediterranean countries: through opening up new sources of energy, independence from energy imports and creation of jobs."

Read (German) interview on: www.young-germany.de

After the success of political upheavals in Egypt and Tunisia, experts are optimistic concerning a transition to the use of renewable energies. Hani Nokraschy, Vice Chairman of the DESERTEC Foundation, sees the revolution in Egypt as very positive for the implementation of the ambitious DESERTEC project. Building up a new renewable energy industry and infrastructure will not only create prospects for young generations in this region but will also be an approach to the shortage of drinking water, climate change and the growing demand for energy in North Africa.

Read article on: www.almasryalyoum.com

In order to cover its highly growing demand for electricity and reduce the dependency on crude oil for power generation, Saudi Arabia is planning to invest up to 100 billion U.S. dollars over the next decades to replace 50% of its electricity generation. The share of renewable energies is projected to raise up to 20% by 2030. Solar power plants which can be used for seawater desalination could play an important role.

Read article on: www.bloomberg.com

The implementation of the DESERTEC Concept in North Africa is not threatened by the political upheavals there. Dr. Thiemo Gropp, Director of the DESERTEC Foundation, said in an interview with "ZEIT-Online" that despite of short-term delays, a cooperation with democratic countries will give a boost to the ambitious solar plans in the longer term.

Read (German) interview on: www.zeit.de

On the occasion of the fifth annual conference "Environment 2020" in Tel Aviv DESERTEC Director Katrin-Susanne Richter gave a speech on the DESERTEC Concept as an approach for sustainable and clean power generation in desert regions. She is confident that this vision can be realized and said in an interview with Jerusalem Post: "I believe that there’s a lot of motivation in many government to make it happen – to create the right frameworks and incentives.”

Read article on: www.jpost.com

In the province of Kanchanaburi, in the Northwest of Bangkok, the first commercial parabolic trough power plant using direct evaporation of water is currently under construction. Dr Schumacher, the German ambassador to Thailand, visited the plant of the German company Solar Lite GmbH and expressed his support particularly in raising the awareness of the Thai Government for solar thermal power generation. This power plant with a capacity of 5 MWel will be the first solar thermal power plant in South-East Asia to be connected to the grid.

Read (German) article on: www.ptext.de

The DESERTEC Concept was developed by a network of politicians, academics and economists from Europe, North-Africa and the Middle East. From this network later emerged the DESERTEC Foundation. The basic studies relating to DESERTEC were led by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The study leader Dr. Franz Trieb illustrates the key results and shows how the DESERTEC Concept can offer an integrated solution to global problems of the coming decades.

Watch (German) video on: www.livestream.com/dlrstuttgart

Read (German) article on: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Within one decade, renewable energies and highly efficient gas power plants could replace all nuclear power plants. In addition to a more efficient use of energy, a comprehensive development of smart grids is required. In the future the cheapest option would be a power supply from renewables within a European network as foreseen in DLR studies on the DESERTEC Concept.

Read (German) article on: www.dlr.de

A research team at ETH Zürich and Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) has developed an efficient process to produce fuels by using a solar driven reactor. The process is to be optimized until 2020 in order to use it in concentrating solar tower plants like they are forseen in the DESERTEC Concept. This would enable the production of precursors for petrol and kerosine on a large scale by using solar heat, water and CO2. This would be a great step towards sustainability, especially for aviation which lacks alternative fuels.

Read (German) article on: www.welt.de

Watch (German) video on: bazonline.ch

The EU has presented a strategy paper on the developments in North Africa. This includes the proposal of establishing an EU-South Mediterranean Energy Community. That could give the DESERTEC project a big boost. According to the EU's 2050 decarbonization scenario of reducing the emissions by more than 80 percent, "there is clear potential for building a partnership between the EU and Southern Mediterranean countries for the production and management of renewables, in particular solar and wind energy, and in having a joined-up approach ensuring energy security".

Read (German) article on: www.euractiv.de

Mouldi Miled, coordinator of the DESERTEC University Network (DUN), is convinced that the current revolutionary incidents in North Africa do not put the implementation of the DESERTEC Concept at risk: "I am confident that the post-revolutionary situation is more favorable than the previous one". According to Miled, especially DESERTEC could help to stabilize the region in the long term through the creation of new jobs and economic prospects.

Read (French) article on: http://energie.lexpansion.com

The MDR culture radio programme FIGARO broadcasted a feature about "European's solar vision - the DESERTEC project in the African desert" that is now online available for free. The author researched in Morocco and talked to members of the DESERTEC Foundation for this feature.

Listen to (German) feature on: www.ardmediathek.de

Dr. Gerhard Knies, intellectual father of DESERTEC and co-founder of the DESERTEC Foundation in an interview with energlobe.de.

Read (German) interview on: www.energlobe.de

The Japanese Mitsubishi Corporation acquires a 15% share in ACCIONA Termosolar S.L. which already operates solar thermal power plants with a capacity of 150 MW in Spain and is building another power plant with 50 MW. As the largest Japanese company, Mitsubishi deepened its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable power generation.

Read article on: www.acciona-energia.com

In an interview with WDR foreign trade expert Hans-Peter Merz tells of his experiences on economic cooperation with North African countries and the impacts that current political developments might have. He calls the DESERTEC Concept "the only future vision for this region", which could dominate the 21st Century - with great potential for development in the target countries.

Read (German) interview on: www.wdr.de

Among other measures to promote renewable energies, the FDP parliamentary group put through a resolution to enforce the work on an overall concept for the use of flexible cooperation mechanisms in the EU for green electricity by mid-2012. For the benefit of consumers, this would allow to feed-in clean power from deserts as foreseen in the DESERTEC Concept.

Read (German) press release on: www.pressrelations.de

ABB Ltd. was awarded a $180 million contract to provide a converter solution for a HVDC-connection between the Norwegian and Danish power grid. The 240 km underwater link will operate on 500 kV (ABB HVDC Light) and is to be commissioned in 2014.

Read article on: www.dailymarkets.com

Discover technology on: www.abb.de

With the order to build 65 km of HVDC until 2013 to connect Spain and France, the first part of a transnational European Supergrid is determined. The significance of this grid extension, which is an essential key factor for DESERTEC, is reflected in the fact that this 700 million pilot-project is co-financed by EU.

Read (German) article on: www.faz.net

While the extension of photovoltaics already proceeds on a relatively large scale, several concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) projects are now in the phase of planning in India. As an example, the Indian company Lanco Infratech Inc. signed power purchase agreements on a 100 MW CSP project in Rajasthan.

Read article on: http://international.pv-tech.org

On the occasion of a parliamentary evening on DESERTEC, German Economic Minister Rainer Brüderle expressed confidence that the DESERTEC Concept can be realised in EU-MENA. In terms of financing he calls for a clever, European solution.

Read (German) press release on: www.bmwi.de

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), the Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research (ISI) and Ernst&Young published results of their joint study on the local manufacturing potential for CSP projects in the MENA region. According to their forecast, economies in this region will benefit greatly from the extension of concentrated solar-thermal power's (CSP) capacities and up to 80,000 jobs will be created, some of which are highly-qualified. Apart from that, there will be growth opportunities for European industry as well. An action plan developed within this study, shows a way how solar-thermal power plants, that might be funded by the Worldbank's Clean Technology Fund (CTF), can be implemented.

Read (German) press release on: www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Read study on: http://arabworld.worldbank.org

The planners are confident: Solar and wind power plants should bring the long awaited economic progress for these countries.

Read (German) article on: www.ftd.de

According to an interview (SPIEGEL) with EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger, the European Commission plans to fund the expansion of the European electricity grid with Euro bonds. Despite of disturbances in countries like Tunisia and Egypt, Oettinger doesn't regard the DESERTEC project as threatened. "The project has high locational relevance for North African states " he said in the interview. "Who ever will govern these countries in the future - it will be his vested interest to create investment security". And after integrating the first plants into the grid, there will be no interest to cut off the transmission - "as the government would cut its own financial income by doing so", Oettinger said.

Read interview on: www.spiegel.de

Chinese Media report on projects which intend to implement concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) plants in China and Inner Mongolia. Among them is a pilot CSP project in China's province Gansu (10MW) and a project in Ordos in Inner Mongolia (50MW). It is becoming apparent, that CSP and other related technologies will be a lucrative business for the chinese economy in the nearby future. In the medium-term, a business competition between Chinese and western Companies could lead to further cost reduction, that will stimulate the implementation of DESERTEC.

Read article 1 (Google translation) on: http://big5.ce.cn

Read article 2 (Google translation) on: http://big5.ce.cn

Read article 3 (Google translation) on: http://big5.ce.cn

Dr. Thiemo Gropp, co-founder and director of the non-profit DESERTEC Foundation, talks in an interview with the International Ressource Journal about the DESERTEC Vision, from its beginning up to the starting implementation. Furthermore he presents the work of the DESERTEC Foundation, which has dedicated itsself to the swift implementation of the DESERTEC Concept in all suitable regions of the world.

Read interview on: www.internationalresourcejournal.com

Despite of current disturbances in North Africa, both, the DESERTEC Foundation and the Dii GmbH, express confidence that the concept will be implemented in EU-MENA. Current plannings, especially in Morocco, but also in further countries are not directly put at risk by the disturbances. A project like DESERTEC with its socio-economic benefits not only offers an approach to energy security but also creates perspectives for the region.

Read (German) article on: www.sueddeutsche.de

Former German Environment Minister Klaus Töpfer, now advisor to DESERTEC, calls for a stable development partnership between Europe and North Africa in an interview with the "Frankfurter Rundschau". He sees the implementation of the DESERTEC Concept as a way to stimulate economic development in North Africa and create prospects which will thus stabilize the region.

Read (German) interview on: www.fr-online.de

The web portal "Welt der Physik" offers interesting videos about the key technologies of the DESERTEC Concept, such as concentrated solar-thermal power (CSP) and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission.

Watch (German) video (part 1) on: www.youtube.com

Watch (German) video (part 2) on: www.youtube.com

For EU Commissioner Oettinger it has priority to facilitate the integration of electricity generated from offshore-wind and desert sun into the European grid. He wants a better cooperation between memberstates and neighbouring countries as well as significantly higher investments from private-sector. He is disappointed by the existing regulatory measures that should promote DESERTEC and considers feed-in tariffs for clean electricity imports to be an urgent need.

Read (German) article on: www.euractiv.de

In occasion of the conference "Marokko - Partnerland für erneuerbare Energien" the Moroccan Energy Minister Amina Benkhadra met Katharina Reiche, Secretary of State in the German Ministry of Environment. Reiche mentioned the good perspectives for solar energy and projects like DESERTEC and emphasized the importance of collaboration. Both signed an agreement on cooperation afterwards.

Read (German) press release on: www.bmu.de

The Spanish company Abengoa and the Indian Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) formed a strategic alliance to implement concentrated solar-thermal power projects. In addition to the joint implementation of power plants in India, this cooperation aims to analize the potential of solar thermal power in other regions and promote concrete projects.

Read (Spanish) article on: www.alimarket.es

In the light of political tensions in Tunesia and other North African countries, Germany's former Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer emphasises the urgent need for a strong partnership between European and North African states. In his article in the newspaper "Sueddeutsche Zeitung", he also highlights the importance of joint projects such as DESERTEC that can create jobs and stability.

Read (German) article on: www.sueddeutsche.de

The EU-Comission attempts to harmonize the support for renewable energies in order to utilize an Europe-wide yearly saving potential estimated to be 10 billion Euro. By establishing cross-border feed-in tariffs, projects like DESERTEC should benefit. The details are likely to be worked out within the next months.

Read (German) article on: www.wallstreet-online.de

Together with the French Development Agency, 20 Medgrid shareholders started technical and economic studies on a Mediterranean electricity network. The aim is to set up electricity connections between Europe and the countries in North Africa and the Middle East until 2020.

Read (French) article on: portail.cder.dz

The Algerian Energy Minister Youcef Yousfi announces a rapid green energy ramp-up to meet the domestic demands and to export clean power to Europe. In the first phase until 2020 about 65 projects are planned to be realised. They will produce 2.600 MW in total and create about 200,000 jobs in Algeria.

Read article on: www.environmental-expert.com

Read (French) article on: www.maghrebemergent.info

The idea to utilize concentrated solar power in an industrial context, was technically implemented for the first time in 1913 in Egypt's desert. A parabolic trough power plant - then used to supply water for the surrounding fields - is now, a century later, one of the key technologies of the DESERTEC Concept.

Read article on: www.thenational.ae

A new Memorandum of Understanding by the Northsea Countries Offshore Grid Initiative in the early December 2010 is an important step towards an extensive, pan-European grid infrastructure, that is needed to integrate clean power from deserts and wind.

Read article on: www.renewableenergyworld.com

Read Memorandum of Understanding on: www.entsoe.eu

More than 300 participants from Europe, North Africa and the Middle East joined Dii’s first Annual Conference – “Energy from the deserts” on 26th and 27th of October 2010 in Barcelona, Spain. The large number of government representatives from Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia reflected the growing partnership between North Africa and Europe. The speeches and presentations are online by now on Dii's website. 

Watch videos on: www.dii-eumena.com

Link to the archive