Clean energy resource overlooked

SOME misconceptions may be leading the Government to overlook a source of clean energy with great potential for Europe.

‘Concentrating solar power’ (CSP) is a simple but effective technique of using mirrors to concentrate sunlight to create heat and then using the heat to raise steam to drive turbines and generators, just like a conventional power station. Solar heat may be stored in melted salts so electricity generation can continue through the night and on cloudy days.

CSP works best in hot deserts and of course there are not many of these in Europe. But detailed studies by the German Aerospace Centre have shown it is feasible and economical to transmit solar electricity throughout Europe from north Africa and the Middle East using high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission lines.