Quagmire in the Sahara: Desertec's Promise of Solar Power for Europe Fades

[sysop]

As recently as three years ago, many thought that it was only a matter of time before solar thermal plants in North Africa supplied a significant portion of Europe's energy needs. But Desertec has hit a road block. Industrial backers are jumping ship, political will is tepid and a key pilot project has suddenly stalled.

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...-a-867077.html

[bluesky123]

The coal and nuclear industries also receive substantial subsidies. As all the countries in Europe have debt to GDP ratios of 80% or higher, which energy source to pursue comes solely down to cost. Publish a table that adds up the production costs and the subsidies for every energy source - solar, wind, nuclear, coal etc. Then the only choice is which is the cheapest. That's what happens when there is no money left in the piggy bank. I have a friend in Germany who is a single mother. We had coffee the other day. She rushed out and said "I have to go home. I forgot to pull all the power plugs out of the wall and my electricity bill keeps going up. I can't afford my electricity bill any more". This is crazy. A country with a debt to GDP ratio of 25% can pursue whatever energy source it fancies. A country which is bankrupt has no options. You go with what costs the least. That's called facing reality.