(Dr. Frank-Detlef Drake, head of Research and Development at RWE AG):
"The DESERTEC concept is a fascinating vision. We will be inputting RWE's competence in grids and power generation and, together with our partners, examining how and when the concept can become reality."

Power from the desert

Ready for take-off: 12 international companies, including RWE, Siemens and the Desertec foundation, have recently set up an industrial initiative (DII GmbH) to implement the Desertec concept. The idea is to investigate whether and how Europe can be supplied with environmentally-friendly solar and wind power from North Africa and the Middle East. The Desertec concept works on the assumption that, by 2050, 15% of Europe's electricity needs could be covered from the desert by such power plants. This would be associated with investment in a magnitude of some € 400 billion.

Solar-thermal power stations convert the sun's light into heat

The solar-thermal power stations in the focus of interest bundle the sun's light via mirrors and heat up special oil. They convert its heat into water vapour to power turbines. That distinguishes the plants from photovoltaic systems which produce electricity directly. The merit of solar-thermal power plants is that their heat can be stored. Thus electricity can be produced around the clock - and not just when the sun is shining.